It would be fair to say that learning to play blackjack is relatively simple, but mastering the iconic casino game is a whole different ball game.
In simple terms, the aim of blackjack is to get as close as possible with your cards to the number 21 without going over that figure.
If you get closer to 21 than the dealer or if their number is over that total, you win. While that may sound easy, the strategies involved make blackjack extremely nuanced.
With that in mind, read on as we offer a definitive beginners guide to blackjack, starting with a look at the different variants of the game.
Popular blackjack games
Whether you want to play blackjack in a land-based establishment or plan to spend time finding the best blackjack sites, you must decide which variant of the game best suits your needs.
There are numerous blackjack games available and the basic rules are generally the same, albeit with subtle variations you must familiarise yourself with. These are the most popular variants:
- Classic blackjack: Played with up to eight decks of cards. You and the dealer each receive two cards. One of the cards is face down for the dealer. You win if your hand is better than the dealer’s and does not exceed 21.
- European blackjack: Played with two decks of cards. The player receives two cards and one card is dealt face up to the dealer. Their hole card is dealt when they players makes a decision how to play. The same Classic blackjack rules for winning the hand apply.
- Live online blackjack: Mimic the experience of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino by playing live online blackjack. Live casinos stream the game directly to your chosen digital device, effectively replicating the thrill of visiting a real-life casino.
Blackjack rules
Using classic blackjack as the template, here are the key rules you need to know if you are a beginner.
If your initial hand contains two cards which total 21 – an ace with a picture card or 10 – you have blackjack. You win unless the dealer has the same tally.
If you do not have blackjack, there are several decisions you can make dependent on what cards are in your hand.
- Hit: Request another card. You can do this until you decide to stand or bust.
- Stand: The point where you stop asking for cards. The dealer then plays their hand.
- Double down: Make a bet equal to your initial wager after being dealt your first cards. You receive one more card and cannot hit again.
- Split: You can make two separate hands if you are dealt two initial cards of the same value. You receive another card for each hand, which effectively doubles your bet.
- Surrender: Relinquish half your bet if you think you will lose the hand.
- Insurance: Some casino tables allow you to take insurance if the dealer’s up card is an ace. This is effectively a wager worth half your bet that the dealer gets blackjack.
There are also several rules relating specifically to the dealer’s hand which you need to know:
- The dealer wins if their hand value is nearest to 21.
- If you bust or surrender, the dealer wins.
- The dealer must hit on a total of 16 or less.
- The dealer must stand on a total of 18 or more.
- If the dealer has a hard 17, they must stand.
- The dealer must hit on a soft 17.
Basic strategy
Basic strategy in blackjack is a mathematical theory which shows you the optimum way to play a hand in each game situation.
The house’s edge in blackjack generally hovers around the two percent mark, but employing perfect basic strategy reduces this to 0.5%.
While this means the house still holds an advantage, it is worth noting this is an average which means there will be periods in the game when the odds are in your favour.
Sticking rigidly to basic strategy maximises your chances or capitalising on those opportunities and making a consistent profit from blackjack. Some of the key basic strategy elements are as follows:
- Always stand on 17 or higher.
- Always split eights and aces.
- Always double down on a hard 11.
- Never split a pair of fives or tens.
- Hit on a hard 12-16 if the dealer has seven or higher.
- Stand on 12 if the dealer has a 4, 5 or 6.
- If the dealer has 2-6, stand on 13-16.
- Do not take the insurance bet.
These are some of the essential parts of basic strategy you need to know. Equip yourself with a basic strategy card to ensure you maximise the system’s effectiveness.
Bankroll management also plays a key role in blackjack and it is important to remember that you should never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
