How to Play Blackjack: A Beginner’s Guide to 21

Blackjack is one of the most exciting casino games, where players take on the dealer. From understanding the rules and gameplay to uncovering strategies to master the game, you’ll discover how to play blackjack confidently in this guide. You will learn the objective of the game, how card values work, the basic rules and table setup, the different betting options, and the step-by-step flow of a hand.

What is the Objective of the Blackjack Card Game?

The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a hand total as close to or exactly 21. If your card total goes over, you will ‘bust’ and lose the hand. You win if your card total is higher than the dealer’s, but does not exceed 21.

Rules of Blackjack

The game begins with the dealer dealing two up-cards to you, plus one up-card and one down-card to themself. 

You can hit, double, or split until you are ready to stand or your hand is bust (over 21). The dealer then plays, drawing to at least 17, but also busting if going over 21. If both hands tie, it is a push, and your bet is returned.

Blackjack Hands: Card Values Explained

Number cards (2 through 10) are worth their face value. All face cards, Jack, Queen, and King, are worth 10 points each. The Ace can be 1 or 11 points, whichever works best for your hand. 

For example, if you have an Ace and a 7, your hand can be worth 18 or 8. 

• If you hit that hand and receive a 6, your hand value would become 14 (8 + 6) rather than 24 (18 + 6) since the latter leads to a bust. Your next move would be from the score of 14.

House Edge in Blackjack

The house edge in Blackjack is one of the most generous in the casino. It refers to the percentage of each bet the casino expects to retain from player bets. This percentage can differ in blackjack based on varying rules, especially if you do not play perfect basic strategy.

In general, the house edge in blackjack is around 0.5%. That means for every $100 you wager, you can expect to win $99.50 in the long run. If you stray from basic strategy, the house edge can increase dramatically.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Blackjack 21

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s walk through a guide to a blackjack hand, step by step. 

Step 1: Place Your Bet

The hand begins with players placing their wagers in the designated betting circle on the table. Each table has a minimum and maximum bet amount, so be sure to check those limits. Once everyone places their bets, the cards are dealt.

Step 2: Dealer’s First Turn & Initial Deal

After all bets are placed, the dealer deals two cards to each player at the table, face up. They will also deal two cards to themselves, one face-up (the upcard) and one face-down (the hole card).

Step 3: Decide – Hit, Stand, Double, Split

Once you have your two cards and have seen the dealer’s upcard, it’s your turn to play. Your choices are your chance to use strategy against the dealer.

• Hit: This is when you ask the dealer for another card to add to your hand. You can signal this by tapping the table with your finger. You can hit as many times as you like, but be careful not to exceed 21!
• Stand: If you are happy with your hand and don’t want any more cards, you “stand.” You signal this by waving your hand horizontally over your cards. The dealer will then move on to the next player.
• Double Down: Feeling confident? You can double your original bet and receive only one more card. You signal this by placing a second bet next to your original one. This is a high-risk, high-reward move, often used when you have a hand total of 9, 10, or 11.
• Split: If your first two cards are a pair (like two 7s), you have the option to “split” them into two separate hands. You place a second bet equal to your first and play each hand independently, one after the other.

Step 4: Dealer’s Final Turn

Once all players have acted, the dealer reveals their face-down card and must follow a strict set of rules. They have to continue to take cards (“hit”) if their hand is 16 or below. They must “stand” on any hand of 17 or higher. 

Payout

After the dealer’s turn, the hand is settled. If you have a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win, and your bet is paid at 1:1. If you and the dealer have the same hand total, it’s a “push,” and your bet is returned. If you are lucky enough to get a natural blackjack (21 on your first two cards), you are typically paid at a higher rate of 3:2.

What are the Blackjack Bet Types?

Knowing blackjack bet types is crucial if you want a good grasp of the game. Bet types can change your potential payout and risk, so let’s examine what they mean, some of the special side bets, and what you could win.

Main Bet

Your primary wager before the cards are dealt is your main bet. It is placed in the betting circle before the cards are dealt. When selecting your main bet stake online, this is where your chips will appear. If you beat the dealer, it pays 1:1. If you catch a Natural Blackjack, it pays 3:2.

Insurance Bet

If the dealer shows an Ace up-card, you can place an insurance bet worth half of your original main bet. Your bet will be placed on the Insurance Line on the table before the hand is played out. If the dealer has Blackjack, you’ll be paid 2:1. While these bets are tempting, they are generally long-term losers, as the odds favor the house much more when you take insurance.

Surrender

Some blackjack games allow players to surrender their hands after the deal. This option is sometimes taken when a player has a poor starting hand versus a strong dealer’s up-card, such as a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10. If you choose to surrender, you give up half of your main bet immediately, and your hand is over.

Double Down

After receiving your first two cards, you can double your bet and receive one more card to complete your hand. When doubling down, your second bet will be placed alongside your original main bet before the hand continues. Payout rates remain 1:1 for a win and 3:2 for a Natural Blackjack.

Split

You can split your starting hand into two separate hands if dealt a pair. Each hand is played independently and requires you to double your main bet. Some tables offer unlimited splits, requiring you to match your original bet each time you split your matching cards. You can also double down after a split, requiring you to double your bet on that specific hand.

Side Bets

Side bets are played alongside the main game for an additional stake. These often include games like Perfect Pair, where you’ll win if your starting cards match in rank. Payouts differ, but generally range between 5:1 and 30:1; the higher odds are paid for identical pairs. 21+3 is another popular side bet, where your two starting cards are combined with the dealer’s up-card. You’ll win if the three cards form a poker-style hand, like a straight, flush, or three of a kind. You can win up to 100:1 here for three identical cards.

Blackjack Odds & Probabilities

While blackjack may seem like a game of chance, there is a simple guide that can improve your chances of winning. The guide suggests the best action for every hand and is built on solid math. It’s all about using your two cards and the dealer’s single visible card to make the most logical choice.

For example, if you are dealt a 4 and a 9, your total is 13 and the dealer shows an Ace. Basic strategy suggests you should hit because 13 is too weak to stand against a potentially strong dealer hand. Hitting gives you about a 39% chance of busting, but standing leaves you with less than a 17% chance to win.

Want the full breakdown of bust odds, dealer probabilities, and payouts? Dive into our complete guide to blackjack odds and probabilities to see the math in action.

Types of Blackjack Games

There are a few different variations on how to play the blackjack card game, and we’re breaking them down for you below: 

European 21

This variation is known for one key rule: the dealer does not get their second card until after you have taken your action. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as you won’t know if the dealer has a blackjack until you’ve already made your decision to hit or stand.

American 21

This is the most common version played in the USA, and its key feature is that the dealer receives a second card, or “hole card,”. The dealer then checks for a blackjack if they have any 10 or an Ace before players act, which can save players from losing a double-down or split bet.

Live Dealer Blackjack

Live Dealer Blackjack isn’t a rule variation, but a way to play. You play online, against a real human dealer via a live video stream. You can place your bets and chat with the dealer in real time, bringing the authentic feel of a casino table directly to your screen.

Blackjack Switch

This unique version lets you play two hands at once, with the option to switch the second card of each hand. For instance, if you’re dealt a 10 and a 6, and a 10 and a 5, you can switch them to create a 10-10 hand and a 6-5 hand.

Pontoon

In this British version of blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face down. The game uses its own terms: a natural 21 is called a “Pontoon,” and a winning five-card hand is a “Five Card Trick,” often paying out more per hand than traditional games.

Blackjack Strategies for Beginners

Understanding how blackjack is played is vital for long-term enjoyment, but having solid strategies can make a big difference. Let’s take a look at three simple blackjack strategies.

Manage your Bankroll 

Before you even sit down, a key action is to set a betting budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend and stick to it, regardless of whether you are on a winning or losing streak. A solid bankroll plan prevents emotional betting and helps you play longer without unnecessary risk.

Know when to Double Down

A crucial move for beginners is knowing when to double your bet. This is best when you have a hand total of 9, 10, or 11, giving you a strong chance of landing a winning hand. Doubling down increases your risk and potential reward, so use it selectively.

Learn about Splitting Pairs 

Not all pairs are created equal. As a rule, you should always split a pair of Aces and a pair of 8s. Splitting Aces gives you two chances at a hand of 21, and two 8s give you a hard total of 16. Avoid splitting 10s or 5s, since those are already strong hands.

Become Familiar with Online Blackjack at CoinPoker 

Now that you have an idea how to play casino blackjack, it’s time to put it into practice! With CoinPoker you can enjoy a wide variety of games, from anywhere in the world, securely and safely. Sign up today and discover why we’re the home of blackjack! 

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