Step-by-Step Blackjack Guide

🎯 Understand the Objective

The goal of blackjack is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. You're not competing against other players - only the dealer matters.

Winning Examples:

You have 20, dealer has 19 → You win
You have 18, dealer busts with 22 → You win
You have blackjack (21 with 2 cards), dealer has 20 → You win

🃏 Learn Card Values

Before you can play effectively, you must understand how much each card is worth:

Number Cards (2-10): Worth their face value
Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each worth 10 points
Ace: Worth either 1 or 11 points (whichever is better for your hand)

Hand Value Examples:

King + 7 = 17
Ace + 9 = 20 (Ace counts as 11)
Ace + 6 + 8 = 15 (Ace counts as 1 to avoid busting)

💰 Place Your Bet

Before any cards are dealt, you must place your bet in the designated betting circle or area in front of your seat. Most tables have minimum and maximum betting limits.

Check the table minimum and maximum before sitting down
Place your chips clearly in the betting area
Don't touch your bet once cards start being dealt
You can only bet with casino chips, not cash

Betting Tips:

Start with smaller bets while learning. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 20 times the table minimum as your bankroll.

🎲 The Initial Deal

Once all bets are placed, the dealer begins the deal:

Each player receives two cards face up
The dealer receives two cards - one face up (upcard) and one face down (hole card)
If you have 21 with your first two cards (Ace + 10-value card), you have "blackjack"
The dealer checks for blackjack if their upcard is an Ace or 10-value card

Blackjack Examples:

Ace + King = Blackjack (21)
Ace + Queen = Blackjack (21)
10 + Jack = 20 (not blackjack, just a good hand)

⚡ Make Your Playing Decision

If you don't have blackjack, you must decide how to play your hand. You have several options:

Hit

Ask for another card to improve your hand total. Signal by tapping the table or pointing at your cards.

Stand

Keep your current hand and end your turn. Signal by waving your hand horizontally over your cards.

Double Down

Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Only available on your first two cards.

Split

If your two cards have the same value, split them into two separate hands with equal bets.

Decision Examples:

You have 12, dealer shows 6 → Stand (dealer likely to bust)
You have 11, dealer shows 5 → Double down (great opportunity)
You have two 8s → Split (escape weak 16)

🎩 Dealer Plays Their Hand

After all players have completed their hands, the dealer reveals their hole card and plays according to fixed rules:

Must hit on 16 or less: Dealer automatically takes cards until reaching 17+
Must stand on 17 or more: Dealer cannot take additional cards
No choices: Dealer follows rules automatically, no strategy decisions

Dealer Examples:

Dealer has 16 → Must hit (might bust)
Dealer has 17 → Must stand
Dealer has soft 17 (A-6) → Rules vary by casino

🏆 Determine Winners and Collect Payouts

Once the dealer completes their hand, winners are determined and payouts are made:

You Win If:

Your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's (without busting)
You have blackjack and the dealer doesn't
The dealer busts and you don't

Payouts:

Regular win: 1:1 (even money)
Blackjack: 3:2 (you win $15 for every $10 bet)
Push (tie): Your bet is returned

Payout Examples:

$10 bet, regular win → Receive $20 total ($10 profit)
$10 bet, blackjack → Receive $25 total ($15 profit)
$10 bet, push → Receive $10 back (no profit/loss)

Quick Reference Guide

Basic Strategy Tips

Always hit on 11 or less. Always stand on 17 or more. Learn the basic strategy chart for optimal play.

Hand Signals

Tap table to hit. Wave hand to stand. Place additional bet beside original to double or split.

Common Mistakes

Don't take insurance. Don't split 10s. Don't let emotions override strategy. Stick to your bankroll.

Etiquette

Don't touch cards in face-up games. Use hand signals. Don't give unsolicited advice to other players.

Money Management

Set a budget before playing. Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Take breaks when losing.

Practice First

Learn basic strategy before playing for real money. Practice online or with free games first.

How to Play Blackjack