Casino rules
how to play blackjack
A beginner's walkthrough of a blackjack hand
To play blackjack, you try to make a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer's — without going over 21. Place a bet, receive two cards, then choose to take more cards (hit) or keep your total (stand). Picture cards are worth 10, an ace is 1 or 11, and everything else is face value.
You're only ever competing against the dealer, not the other players. This guide walks through a hand from bet to payout. For the exact rules on card values and the dealer, see blackjack rules.
The goal
Beat the dealer in one of two ways: finish with a total closer to 21 than theirs, or still be standing when the dealer busts. Going over 21 yourself means you lose straight away, so judging when to stop drawing is the heart of the game.
The deal
After you bet, you get two cards face up and the dealer takes one card up and one face down. If your first two cards are an ace and a 10-value card, that's a blackjack — usually paid at 3:2 immediately. Otherwise, play passes to you.
Making your choices
Your core options are hit (another card), stand (stop), double down (double the bet for exactly one more card) and split (turn a pair into two hands). Use the dealer's visible upcard as your guide — if it's weak (a low card), the dealer busts more often; if it's strong (a 10 or ace), you often need to keep drawing. A simple chart of the best choice in every situation is covered in our basic blackjack strategy.
The dealer's turn
Once you stand, the dealer flips the hidden card and draws until reaching 17 or more. The dealer can't choose to stop early or keep going — the rule is fixed. Then hands are compared and winning bets are paid. Prefer learning a different table game next? Try how to play baccarat.
How to play blackjack, step by step
- Bet Place your chips in the betting box.
- Receive two cards Both face up; the dealer shows one card and hides one.
- Add up your hand Face value for numbers, 10 for picture cards, 1 or 11 for an ace.
- Choose Hit, stand, double or split, using the dealer's upcard as a guide.
- Let the dealer play The dealer draws to at least 17.
- Settle Closest to 21 without busting wins; blackjack pays 3:2.
Frequently asked questions
Is blackjack easy to learn?
Yes. The goal (beat the dealer without going over 21), the card values and four simple choices (hit, stand, double, split) are all you need to start. Reading the dealer's upcard is the main skill.
How much does blackjack pay?
An even-money win pays 1:1, while a two-card blackjack (ace plus a 10-value card) usually pays 3:2. A push (equal total with the dealer) returns your stake.
Do other players affect my hand?
No. In blackjack you play only against the dealer, so another player's decisions don't change whether you win or lose.