Blackjack stands out as one of the most popular casino games, both online and in physical casinos, thanks to its straightforward rules and high return to player (RTP). Unlike many casino games that rely solely on luck, blackjack also demands skill and strategy, enabling players to enhance their odds and potentially score big wins. While games like baccarat, roulette, and poker are designed to give the house an edge, skilled blackjack players can still find ways to tip the balance in their favor. If you’re new to casino gaming, blackjack is a great starting point. This guide will cover the basics, explain how to play, and offer strategies to increase your chances of winning.
Brief History of Blackjack
Blackjack, also known as 21, has a rich history dating back to 17th century France, where it was originally called “Vingt-et-Un” (21 in French). The game crossed the Atlantic with French colonists and gained popularity in North America, especially in New Orleans. The term “blackjack” originated from a special bonus payout given to a player holding the Ace of Spades and a black Jack (either Jack of Clubs or Spades). Over the centuries, blackjack has evolved, incorporating various rules and strategies, ultimately becoming a staple in both physical and online casinos.
Objective of the Game
In blackjack, your goal is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding it. If your hand goes over 21, you bust and lose the round. On the other hand, if the dealer busts, all remaining players win. The ultimate win is hitting a natural blackjack, which means getting 21 with your first two cards (an Ace and a 10-value card), often leading to a higher payout.
Card Values Explained
Grasping the value of each card is crucial for becoming proficient in blackjack. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Number Cards (2-10): Each card is worth its face value.
- Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each worth 10 points.
- Aces: Can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value is more advantageous for your hand.
This flexible valuation of Aces allows for more strategic play, especially when deciding whether to hit or stand.
Example Table of Blackjack Card Values
| Card Type | Value |
| 2-10 | Face Value |
| Jack, Queen, King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Blackjack
Setting Up: Joining a Table
When you decide to play online blackjack, the first step is to join a table. This involves selecting the table with stakes that match your budget. Online casinos typically offer various tables with different minimum and maximum bet limits, so you can choose one that suits your bankroll.
Initial Deal: Receiving Your Cards
After joining a table and placing your bet, the dealer gives everyone two cards. Your cards are dealt face up for everyone to see, while the dealer gets one card face up (the upcard) and one card face down (the hole card). This setup kicks off the game and sets the stage for your strategic decisions.
Player Actions Explained
Understanding your options during your turn is crucial to making the best decisions. Here are the primary actions you can take:
- Hit: When to Take Another Card – You choose to hit when you want to take another card to improve your hand’s value. This is typically done when your hand is far from 21. For instance, if your initial hand totals 12, hitting might be a good strategy since the chance of busting is relatively low.
- Stand: Holding Your Hand – If you’re happy with your hand’s value or think that hitting might cause you to bust, you should choose to stand. This is often the best move when your hand totals 17 or higher, as the risk of busting increases with higher hand values.
- Double Down: Doubling Your Bet – Doubling down lets you double your initial bet in exchange for receiving just one more card. This is usually a smart move when your starting hand totals 10 or 11, as there’s a good chance you’ll draw a high-value card.
- Split: Managing Paired Cards – When you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet. This strategy works well with pairs like 8s or Aces, as it increases your chances of winning with at least one of the hands.
- Surrender: Cutting Your Losses – Surrendering allows you to forfeit half your bet and end your hand early if you believe you have a low chance of winning. This option, though not available in all games, can be a smart move when facing a particularly strong dealer upcard like an Ace.
Example of Player Actions
| Action | Description |
| Hit | Request an additional card. |
| Stand | Keep your current hand and end your turn. |
| Double Down | Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. |
| Split | Split a pair into two separate hands. |
| Surrender | Forfeit half your bet and end your hand early. |
Advanced Gameplay Options
Insurance: Protecting Your Bet
Insurance is a side bet you can take when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, betting that the dealer has blackjack. If they do, the insurance bet pays 2:1. If not, you lose the insurance bet, but the game goes on as normal.
When to Take Insurance:
- Insurance is generally not recommended for beginners as it increases the house edge.
- More experienced players might consider taking insurance if they are confident in their card counting abilities.
Example Table of Insurance Bet
| Situation | Bet Outcome |
| Dealer has Blackjack | Pays 2:1 |
| Dealer doesn’t have Blackjack | Lose the insurance bet, round continues |
Soft Hands vs. Hard Hands
Understanding the difference between soft and hard hands is crucial for making strategic decisions in blackjack.
- Soft Hand: Contains an Ace valued as 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 make a soft 17. The advantage is that if you draw a card that busts the hand when counting the Ace as 11, you can revert the Ace to 1.
- Hard Hand: Contains no Ace, or the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting. For example, a 10 and a 7 make a hard 17.
Example of Soft and Hard Hands
| Combination | Hand Type | Value |
| Ace + 6 | Soft | 7 or 17 |
| 10 + 7 | Hard | 17 |
| Ace + 6 + 10 | Hard | 17 |
| 5 + 4 + Ace | Soft | 10 or 20 |
Understanding Soft 17
The term “Soft 17” refers to a hand containing an Ace valued as 11 plus other cards totaling six. For example, Ace + 6, or Ace + 3 + 3.
Dealer Rules for Soft 17:
- Some casinos require the dealer to hit on a soft 17, while others require the dealer to stand.
- It’s important to know the house rules of the game you are playing, as the dealer hitting on a soft 17 increases the house edge slightly.
Example Table for Soft 17 Rules
| Dealer’s Hand | Action Required |
| Ace + 6 | Hit (some casinos) |
| Ace + 6 | Stand (other casinos) |
Even Money: When to Take It
Even money is a choice for players who have a natural blackjack when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. By choosing even money, you get an immediate 1:1 payout, avoiding the risk of a tie if the dealer also has a blackjack.
When to Take Even Money:
- Taking even money can be a safe option to secure a guaranteed payout, especially if you prefer minimizing risk.
- More experienced players might opt to take the chance and not take even money, hoping the dealer does not have a blackjack.
Example Table of Even Money Bet
| Player’s Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Action | Outcome |
| Blackjack | Ace | Take Even Money | Guaranteed 1:1 payout |
| Blackjack | Ace | Don’t Take Even Money | 3:2 payout if dealer doesn’t have blackjack; push if dealer has blackjack |
Strategies for Better Odds
Basic Strategy Chart: A Player’s Best Friend
A basic strategy chart is an invaluable asset for any blackjack enthusiast. It outlines the optimal moves based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard, helping you make smarter decisions and lower the house edge.
Key Points of a Basic Strategy Chart:
- Always hit when your hand is 8 or less.
- Stand on 17 or higher.
- Double down on 10 or 11 when the dealer’s upcard is 9 or less.
- Split Aces and 8s.
Example Basic Strategy Chart
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Recommended Action |
| 8 or less | Any | Hit |
| 9 | 3-6 | Double Down |
| 10 | 2-9 | Double Down |
| 11 | 2-10 | Double Down |
| 12-16 | 2-6 | Stand |
| 17+ | Any | Stand |
| A, A | Any | Split |
| 8, 8 | Any | Split |
Card Counting: Myth or Reality?
Card counting is a strategy where players track the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck to make smarter betting decisions. While less effective in online blackjack due to continuous shuffling, it can still be a powerful tool in live dealer games where the deck isn’t reshuffled after every hand. This technique helps players gain an edge by predicting the likelihood of favorable cards appearing.
Pros and Cons of Card Counting:
| Pros | Cons |
| Can provide an edge over the house | Difficult to master |
| Legal but frowned upon in casinos | Less effective in online blackjack |
| Can be used in live dealer games | Requires intense concentration |
Splitting Pairs: The Do’s and Don’ts
Splitting pairs can be a powerful strategy if used correctly. Here are some guidelines:
- Always Split Aces and 8s: Splitting these hands can turn a weak hand into a potential winner.
- Never Split 10s or 5s: A hand of 20 is strong, and splitting 5s can result in weak hands.
Example Table of Splitting Pairs
| Pair | Action | Explanation |
| A, A | Split | Maximizes winning potential. |
| 8, 8 | Split | Avoids a weak hand of 16. |
| 10, 10 | Don’t Split | A hand of 20 is very strong. |
| 5, 5 | Don’t Split | A total of 10 is better played without splitting. |
Variations of Blackjack
Blackjack comes in various forms, each with its own set of rules and strategies. Here are some popular versions you’ll find at online casinos:
- American: The most common version, often seen as the standard, where the dealer gets two cards at the start—one face up and one face down (the hole card).
- European: A unique challenge compared to the American version, with slight rule differences that can affect strategy.
- Vegas Strip: Named after the iconic Las Vegas Strip, this version is a favorite in both online and physical casinos.
- Atlantic City: Another American variant, this one named after the renowned gambling city on the East Coast.
- Spanish 21 and Pontoon: These variations stand out with their distinct rules, offering a different twist on traditional blackjack.
- Switch: An intriguing version where players can switch the second cards between two hands, potentially creating stronger hands.
FAQs
What does it mean to “hit”?
To “hit” means to request an additional card to improve your hand’s value.
When should I “stand” ?
You should “stand” when you are satisfied with your hand’s value or believe that hitting might cause you to bust.
When should I “split” my hand?
You should split your hand when you’re dealt two cards of the same value. This lets you create two separate hands, each with its own bet, potentially increasing your chances of winning.
What is “surrender”?
Surrender allows you to forfeit half your bet and end your hand early if you think you have a low chance of winning. It’s a strategic move to minimize losses.
What is a “soft 17”?
A soft 17 is a hand that includes an Ace valued as 11 and other cards totaling six, such as Ace + 6. This type of hand offers flexibility in playing options.
When should I take “insurance”?
Insurance is generally not recommended for beginners as it increases the house edge, but more experienced players might consider it if they are confident in their card counting abilities.