How to play Blackjack

Blackjack is a race to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. It has the lowest house edge of any table game when you play correct basic strategy.

Card values

Number cards count face value, jacks, queens and kings count ten, and an ace counts one or eleven — whichever helps your hand more.

Your options

Hit for another card, stand to keep your total, double down to double your bet for exactly one card, or split a pair into two hands.

The dealer's rules

The dealer has no choices: they draw to sixteen and stand on all seventeens. Any hand over 21 busts and loses immediately.

Payouts

A win pays even money, a two-card 21 (blackjack) pays 3:2, and a tie pushes your bet back. Insurance is offered when the dealer shows an ace.

Tips from the table

Always split aces and eights; never split tens or fives.
Double on 11 against anything, and on 10 unless the dealer shows a ten or ace.
Stand on 17 or higher, and stand on 12–16 when the dealer shows 2–6.
Skip insurance — it costs you money over time unless you are counting cards.

More free card games

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