Rules of Blackjack

Once all players at the table have placed their bets, the rules of how to deal blackjack cards have the dealer give each player one card face-up, rotating clockwise while dealing one card face-up to themselves. Each player will then receive another card face-up, with the dealer taking its second card face down.

Blackjack dealer rules state that they must stand if their cards total 17 or higher and must take a hit if their cards total 16 or lower. The dealer must also stand if they have a “soft” 17, such as when the dealer has A-6.

In this case, the ace must be counted as 11. Casino blackjack rules make the dealer’s decisions automatic on every hand, while the player has many different options of how they can play their cards.  

In blackjack, players bet against the dealer, with the object being to get as close to 21 as possible without going over while also beating the dealer’s hand. All cards from 2-10 are worth face value, while face cards are also worth ten, and aces are worth one or eleven, which the player determines.

If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, the player wins an amount equal to their bet. For example, if the player is dealt 21 with the first two cards, it is considered a “blackjack,” The player wins this hand at a ratio of 3:2, as long as the dealer doesn’t also have 21. In this case, the hand would be a “push,” and neither side wins.

The bet is lost if the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than the player’s. Players that go over 21 after taking a hit will “bust,” and the bet is automatically a loser, no matter the result of the dealer’s hand.

Blackjack split rules say that players may decide to “split” the first two cards dealt to them if they are of the same value. This makes two individual hands, with each bet equal to the player’s original bet. Then, the dealer will deal two cards to complete the hands, with the player having the same options to either hit or stand. 

Doubling down is usually done if the player holds two cards totaling ten or 11, and they’re confident they can win the hand while doubling their initial bet. The blackjack rules chart says the player will be dealt one card and must stand, regardless of the card’s value. 

Blackjack is one of the most popular games at casinos. It is easy to learn and has a low house edge. If you’re wondering how to play blackjack, we recommend reading our dedicated guide.

Using the information helps you make the best decisions at the blackjack table and increase your chances of winning. Once you’ve had some practice on your own, you can play blackjack online, or even against a real dealer on live blackjack.