Last Updated on August 27, 2025 10:03 am by Michael Cash
Blackjack is a casino classic. Not only that, but it was one of the first games of chance to effortlessly bridge the gap between traditional casinos and online gaming sites. Often chosen for its simple rules and quick rounds, Blackjack casino games are a go-to for many casino players. This guide will walk you through the essential rules and what you can expect.
The basics
Your main aim in Blackjack is to get your cards as close to 21 as possible without going over. Here’s how the cards are valued:
– Numbered cards (two to 10) are worth their number.
– Face cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks) are each worth 10.
– Aces are flexible—you can count them as one or 11, depending on which helps you most.
At the start of each round, both you and the dealer get two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is face up, and the other stays hidden until the end of the round. From here, you’ll decide how to play your hand to land nearer to 21 than the dealer. Remember, Blackjack comes down to the chance of the shuffle, and while there’s a basic strategy to help you figure out which action might be the best to take, no outcome is ever guaranteed.
How the game plays out
Once the cards are dealt, you’ll pick your move:
– Hit: Take another card if you think you can get closer to 21.
– Stand: Keep your hand as it is and end your turn.
– Double Down: Double your original bet. You’ll get only one more card, so use this carefully.
– Split: If you receive two cards of the same value, you could opt to split them into two hands and play each with a separate bet.
The dealer plays by strict rules: they must keep drawing cards (“Hit”) until their hand reaches 17 or higher.
Several outcomes are possible. If you go over 21, it’s called a ‘Bust’, and you lose instantly. If you get an Ace and a ten-point card right away, you’ve got what’s known as a ‘Blackjack’—that’s the best hand you can hope for. At the end of the round, your hand and the dealer’s are compared to see who comes out on top. If other players are involved, don’t worry, you’re not playing against them – only the dealer.
Variations and playing online
There are a few twists on the classic Blackjack gameplay, especially online. European Blackjack, for example, has the dealer start with just one card, only taking the second after you’ve finished your turn. Another variant, Pontoon, shakes up the rules even more.
Playing online means you’ll have different themes and varieties of games available to you. So, whether you prefer standard Blackjack, European Blackjack, or another version, the core rules remain largely the same: beat the dealer without going over 21.
No matter if you play Blackjack online, live or at a land-based venue, setting limits on your spending and playing time is key.