Casino game rules are generally easy to grasp: most table and gambling games can be learned in just a few days or even hours. Some games are simpler than others, and blackjack stands out for its straightforwardness.
The primary objective in blackjack is to avoid exceeding 21 points. That’s it. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without crossing that threshold. With this knowledge, you can already join a blackjack game; winning, of course, requires more, but today we won’t discuss strategies for victory. Instead, we’ll present the rules of blackjack in the simplest terms, allowing you to use them as a quick reference when starting a game of 21.
Objective of the Game
Let’s start with the basics. Whether you’re playing in a casino or online, the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total of 21 points—hence the game’s alternate name, “Twenty-One.”
If a player’s total exceeds 21, they “bust” and automatically lose. However, if a player hits 21 with their first two cards (an Ace and a card valued at 10 points), they win instantly, except when the dealer also has twenty-one.
Cards and Their Values
The next crucial aspect of blackjack rules is the value of the cards:
Face cards
Jacks, Queens, and Kings are each worth 10 points.
Number cards
Their value matches the number on the card. For example, the 2 of Spades is worth 2 points; the 5 of Diamonds is worth 5 points, and so on.
Ace
This unique card can be valued at either 1 or 11 points.
Sequence of Play in Blackjack
Now let’s move on to the sequence of play in blackjack, often called the order of operations. This section explains how the game flows and is key to mastering the rules:
Betting Phase
Players place their bets before the cards are dealt. In a casino, chips must be placed in the designated betting area on the blackjack table.
Dealing Phase
Next comes the card dealing. The dealer gives each player and themselves two cards; the player’s cards are usually face-up, while the dealer has one card face-up and one face-down.
Player Actions
Now it’s decision time: you and your fellow players must decide whether to take another card or stick with what you have. You can choose to “hit,” “stand,” “double down,” “split,” or “surrender.” These terms are detailed in our blackjack strategy blog, which you can explore after mastering the basics.
Dealer’s Actions
Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hidden card and plays their hand according to preset rules.
Comparing Hands
At this stage, the dealer’s hand is compared to each player’s hand to determine the winner(s).
After payouts are made, a new round begins, and the process repeats.
All Possible Actions in Blackjack
Let’s quickly review all possible actions and preparatory phases in blackjack to help you develop a basic strategy:
Placing Bets
Betting is the initial phase: players place their wagers in the designated area on the table. Each table has a minimum and maximum betting limit.
Shuffling and Cutting
Shuffling and cutting are preparation steps for the deck:
- Shuffling: The cards are mixed to ensure randomness and fairness, eliminating predictability and bias.
- Cutting: After shuffling, the deck is divided, with a player often invited to place a cut card where the dealer should stop dealing.
Card Dealing
The card-dealing process involves several steps:
- Bets: Players place their bets before the cards are dealt.
- Initial Cards: The dealer deals two cards to each player and themselves.
- Player Actions: Players to the dealer’s left take turns deciding whether to “hit,” “stand,” “double down,” “split,” or “surrender.”
- Dealer’s Turn: After all players, the dealer reveals their hidden card and plays according to the rules, such as hitting until reaching a minimum of 17 points.
- Comparing Hands: Hands are compared to determine winners, and payouts are distributed accordingly.
Natural Blackjack
A “natural blackjack” is a combination of cards that instantly wins, yielding a higher payout. Specific rules apply to splitting, such as the decision to re-split Aces or double down.
Hit or Stand Decisions
Deciding whether to “hit” or “stand” requires analysing the total value of your hand and the dealer’s visible card. The strategy is to get as close to 21 as possible without busting while positioning yourself advantageously.
Rules for Splitting and Doubling
Standard rules and variations include:
Splitting
- Re-splitting: Some blackjack variants allow splitting again if another pair appears, creating multiple hands from a single pair.
- Splitting Aces: Usually permitted, but each Ace typically receives just one additional card, and a 10 drawn after splitting does not count as a natural blackjack.
Doubling Down
- Double After Split: Some games allow doubling down on every hand after splitting.
- Doubling Rules: In some cases, doubling is allowed on any two cards, while in others, only on totals like 9, 10, or 11.
Tie Resolution
If the player and dealer have the same total, it results in a “push” or tie, where the player’s bet is returned. This signifies no win or loss, and the next round begins.
Number of Decks in Blackjack
The number of decks in blackjack varies by casino and game type. The most common practice is to use 4 to 8 decks, increasing the difficulty of card counting and adding randomness to the game.
How Can Understanding Blackjack Rules Help You?
Mastering blackjack rules is critical for building a solid foundation. Knowing the rules enables you to make informed decisions: hit, stand, split, or double down? Understanding the rules also helps you calculate payouts, avoid mistakes, and maximise your winnings. Once familiar with the basics, you can confidently place bets and fully enjoy the game. Be sure to refer to our tips and tricks, such as our comprehensive blackjack guide.
