Watching from the sidelines, blackjack rules seem simple to understand, and that’s because they are. However, there is more to it than you may imagine at first. The game is a favourite of many a veteran and noob alike thanks to its unique combination of chance and strategy.
Once you understand the game’s mechanics, you can play to your strengths in the best live blackjack casinos of 2025. Making the wrong decision will naturally lead to losses, even when the odds seem to be on your side.
In this guide, we dig into blackjack card game rules, advanced plays, what to watch out for and strategies and tips to enhance your gameplay.
How blackjack works
In blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value that is closer to 21 compared to the dealer’s hand, but you must not exceed 21.
The dealer will give you two cards, and it’s up to you whether you want to hit (take another card) or stand (keep your current hand). The blackjack rules card values state that face cards count as 10, aces can be one or 11, and the numbered cards (two to 10) are taken at their face value.
Here is how the game works:
Join the blackjack table
To start, place your bet in the designated area. The dealer will then deal two cards to each player at the table and two to themselves.
These are presented with one face up and one face down. Your cards will be visible to you, which lets you assess your hand and decide what move you’d like to make.
Choose to ‘hit’ or ‘stand’
After you get your initial two cards, you need to decide whether to ‘hit’ or ‘stand’. Choosing to ‘hit’ simply means requesting another card to increase your hand’s value. If you ‘stand’, it signals you are satisfied with the cards you hold. This is a crucial part of playing and should be informed by your hand’s total and the dealer’s face-up/visible card.
When choosing ‘hit’
Choose ‘hit’ if your hand’s total is low and you believe getting an additional card will bring you closer to 21 without busting. Blackjack rules state that exceeding 21 means you lose automatically, which calls for a risk assessment before requesting another card.
When choosing ‘stand’
Choose to ‘stand’ if you feel your current hand is strong enough to beat the dealer and you think hitting will likely lead to a bust. Standing allows the dealer to play their card. At this point, the outcome depends on their total.
Hand value
The ‘hand value’ refers to the sum of your cards. Number cards are worth their face value and comprise two to 10, the face cards are the jack, queen and king and worth 10 each, and aces can be worth one or 11, based on which value benefits your hand more.For instance, a hand with an ace and a seven can be interpreted as either eight or 18.
Dealer’s cards
The dealer, like everyone else at the table, gets two cards, as you are playing against their hand. One of them faces up and another down, referred to as the up card and hole card, respectively.
Blackjack rules dictate what the dealer must do, including hitting until their hand totals 17 or higher. In some casinos, the dealer needs to hit on a ‘soft 17’, which is a hand totalling 17 with an ace counted as 11.
Who is closer to 21?
When players complete their turns, the dealer turns over the face-down card and plays their hand. If their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding it, you win. If the dealer exceeds 21, all remaining players win. If you tie, it results in a ‘push’, and your bet is returned to you.
For more insights on how blackjack works, including probabilities and mathematical aspects of developing a strategy, check out this guide by games mathematician and problem gambling researcher Catalin Barboianu.
Advanced blackjack rules to remember
The basic rules of blackjack are easy enough to understand, but familiarity with the more complex actions is important. So, what are the rules of blackjack beyond assessing whether to hit or stand? Let’s find out.
Splitting pairs
Sometimes, you may end up with two cards of the same value. In this case, you have the option to ‘split’ them into two separate hands and place an additional bet equal to your original wager. This allows you to play each hand independently and can provide a better chance of winning.
Doubling down
When you get your two cards to start, you can choose to ‘double down’, which doubles your bet and gives you one additional card. You can make this move when you feel confident that one more card will make your hand stronger.
Insurance
Let’s say the dealer’s up card is an ace; that is where insurance comes in. Insurance refers to a side bet you can make that the dealer has a blackjack — a card valued at 10 and an ace in the two initial cards. If you are right, the insurance bet pays 2:1, but you lose your original bet unless you also have a blackjack. Typically, insurance is not a favourable option for you.
Surrender
Depending on where you play, you may be allowed to ‘surrender’ your hand after the initial card dealing. This means the house takes half the amount of your bet, and the round ends. You can use this move strategically when you don’t feel a win is likely.
Reshuffling
When playing with multiple decks, the dealer may reshuffle the cards when a certain portion of the shoe has been dealt. This is done to thwart card counters and keep the game fair.
Soft 17
A ‘soft 17’ is when you have a hand totalling 17 that includes an ace counted as 11. Some casino blackjack rules require the dealer to hit or stand, which can affect the house edge and ultimately influence your strategy. Consult the specific casino’s blackjack rules before playing to avoid surprises.
Taking even money
If you get a blackjack and the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, you may be offered ‘even money’. Accepting this means you get a 1:1 payout immediately, no matter what the dealer is holding. If you turn the offer down, you risk a ‘push’ if the dealer also has blackjack, but if they don’t, you get a payout of 3:2.
This is not an exhaustive list as there are other quirks of the game you might encounter, including blackjack rules 7 cards or the 7-card Charlie. This rule states that players with a hand total less than 21 but with exactly seven cards automatically win even if the dealer has 21. It is not common though, and only available in certain casinos.
Tips for using poker kickers effectively
Make use of basic strategy charts to help you decide and keep track. Avoid taking insurance bets; they are statistically not favourable. Budget your bankroll effectively using strict limits. Pick tables with favourable rules, such as those that give a 3:2 payout for blackjack. Practise online using free games to internalise known blackjack rules and strategies better so you can decide effectively. Check how many decks a game uses; the fewer the decks, the better your odds. Don’t play when tired or while mentally unfocused, as it could significantly affect your decision-making.FAQ
1. How many decks are used in blackjack?
Blackjack games typically have between one and eight decks. Single-deck games have better odds for players but are not common. Most casinos want a stronger house edge and use six to eight decks.
2. How do I calculate my hand value in blackjack?
Add the value of your cards. Numbered cards are worth the face value (two to 10), and aces can be worth one or 11. Choose the ace’s value that brings your hand closest to 21 without busting.
3. What are the dealer’s rules in blackjack?
Blackjack dealer rules state that they must hit until their hand totals at least 17. In some casinos, they need to hit on a soft 17, which is a hand containing an ace valued at 11. They cannot double down, split or surrender.
4. What is a ‘bust’ in blackjack?
This is when your hand exceeds 21. If you bust, the round is automatically lost, no matter what the dealer is holding.
5. What is a ‘split’ in blackjack?
A ‘split’ is a provision that allows you to divide a pair into two separate hands, placing an additional bet on your original wager. You play each hand independently and potentially increase your chances of winning.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk GambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Most read in Betting
Best Pay by Mobile Casino UK (2025) Free Bets & betting offers 2025 - Claim £1000+ in bonuses for June England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction, odds, betting tips and how to watch Royal Ascot free bets and offers: Get over £400 in bonuses on Royal Ascot this week Royal Ascot Day 2 tips: Race rundown ITV7 Royal Ascot Day Two jackpot: £100k to be won on Wednesday Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Blackjack rules explained: A player’s guide to success (2025) )
Also on site :