Official Blackjack Rules
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Game Objective
The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer without exceeding 21. The strongest possible hand is a blackjack, which consists of an Ace paired with a 10-value card on the first two cards. A player can win by having a higher hand total than the dealer without busting, by the dealer busting while the player does not, or by being dealt a blackjack when the dealer does not. A player loses by busting, by having a total lower than the dealer's, or by the dealer having blackjack and the player not. If both player and dealer finish with the same total, the result is a push, and the original bet is returned. Players always compete against the dealer, not against other players at the table.
Card Values
Number cards from 2 through 10 are worth their face value. Face cards, including Jacks, Queens, and Kings, are each worth 10. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, whichever benefits the hand without busting. A hard hand contains no Ace counted as 11, while a soft hand includes an Ace valued as 11. Hand totals automatically adjust if an Ace must be converted from 11 to 1 after hitting.
Standard Blackjack Rules
These rules form the foundation of most blackjack games. Unless a table specifically states otherwise, the following rules generally apply.
Dealing Rules
Each player receives two cards, typically dealt face up. The dealer also receives two cards, one face up and one face down, known as the hole card. Cards are dealt left to right, beginning with the first base position. In European Blackjack, the dealer receives only one card initially and draws the second card after players complete their actions. If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace or a 10-value card, the dealer may check for blackjack before players act, depending on the variant.
Dealer Playing Rules
The dealer follows fixed house rules and has no decision-making flexibility. In most games, the dealer must hit on totals of 16 or lower and stand on totals of 17 or higher. Some tables require the dealer to hit on soft 17, which increases the house edge by approximately 0.2 percent. The dealer plays only after all players have completed their actions. If the dealer busts, all remaining non-busted player hands win.
Player Action Rules
- Hit: Players may take additional cards until they stand or bust. There is no formal limit on the number of hits, though some casinos cap the total number of cards per hand.
- Stand: Ending your turn with the current hand total. No additional cards are drawn.
- Double Down: Available only after receiving the first two cards. The player doubles the original bet, receives exactly one additional card, and must stand. Some tables restrict doubling to totals of 9, 10, or 11.
- Split: Available when the first two cards are of the same value. The player creates two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to the original. Most tables allow resplitting up to three or four hands, except Aces, which are usually split once and receive only one card each. A split Ace receiving a 10-value card counts as 21, not blackjack.
- Insurance: Offered only when the dealer shows an Ace. Costs half the original bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. It is a separate side bet, not protection.
- Surrender: Allows a player to forfeit the hand and lose half the bet. Late surrender is the most common, occurring after the dealer checks for blackjack. Early surrender is rare.
Wagering Rules and Limits
Betting Limits
Minimum bets typically range from $5 to $25 online and $10 to $100 in land-based casinos. Maximum bets vary widely, from $500 to $10,000 or more at high-limit tables. Betting limits are clearly posted and cannot be modified after cards are dealt.
Multi-Hand Betting
Some tables allow players to wager on multiple hands simultaneously. Each hand requires a separate bet and plays independently. Online casinos often offer greater flexibility with multi-hand play, though combined wagering limits may apply.
Side Bets
Side bets are optional wagers placed before the cards are dealt. They are independent of the main hand outcome and usually carry higher payouts and higher house edges. Examples include Perfect Pairs and 21+3. Side bets are never required to participate in blackjack.
Payout Rules and Structures
| Outcome | Typical Payout |
|---|---|
| Regular Win | 1:1 |
| Blackjack (Preferred) | 3:2 |
| Blackjack (Unfavorable) | 6:5 |
| Insurance | 2:1 |
| Push | Bet returned |
| Surrender | Lose half the bet |
Blackjack is usually paid immediately unless the dealer also has blackjack, in which case it pushes. Side bets are settled according to their own paytables.
Deck and Shoe Rules
Number of Decks
Single-deck games offer the lowest house edge but are rare. Double-deck games are uncommon online. Most online games use four to six decks, while land-based shoe games typically use six to eight. More decks slightly increase the house edge and reduce the effectiveness of card counting.
Shoe and Shuffling
A shoe holds multiple decks. A cut card marks the reshuffle point, typically around 75 percent penetration; continuous shuffling machines reshuffle after each hand. RNG blackjack reshuffles digitally every round.
Variant-Specific Rules
European Blackjack
European Blackjack uses the no-hole-card rule, meaning the dealer draws the second card after the player's actions. Doubles and splits may be lost if the dealer later reveals blackjack. Typically played with two decks and no surrender.
Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack uses eight decks, allows late surrender, doubling on any two cards, and doubling after a split. The dealer stands on soft 17, and blackjack pays 3:2.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Usually played with four decks. Doubling and splitting rules are liberal, but the dealer often hits on soft 17. Blackjack pays 3:2, though 6:5 tables exist in some casinos.
Spanish 21
All 10s are removed from the deck. Player 21 always wins, and bonus payouts apply to certain totals. Despite liberal rules, the house edge remains moderate.
Blackjack Switch
Players must play two hands and may swap second cards. Dealer 22 pushes all non-busted hands, and blackjack pays 1:1.
Free Bet Blackjack
The casino covers certain doubles and splits. Dealer 22 pushes all hands. Blackjack pays 3:2, but the house edge is higher.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Both dealer cards are visible. Blackjack pays 1:1, and the dealer wins all ties except blackjack.
Pontoon
A British variant with different terminology. Dealer wins all ties, natural pontoon pays 2:1, and players must hit on low totals.
Table Etiquette and Conduct Rules
Blackjack Etiquette: Do and Do Not
| Do | Do Not |
|---|---|
| Join tables between hands | Enter mid-hand |
| Place bets clearly | Touch chips after the deal |
| Use proper hand signals | Advise others |
| Pay attention to turns | Delay play |
| Stack chips neatly | Argue settled hands |
| Treat dealers respectfully | Blame other players |
Online etiquette is more relaxed, though live dealer tables still require respectful chat and timely decisions.
Final Note
Blackjack rules do not change the game's objective, but they significantly affect outcomes. Understanding table rules, payouts, and etiquette allows players to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Always review the rule card before playing, as small differences can have a meaningful impact over time.
FAQ's
What is the objective of blackjack?
What is a blackjack hand?
How are card values calculated in blackjack?
What is the difference between a hard hand and a soft hand?
What does it mean when the dealer hits or stands on soft 17?
What is doubling down in blackjack?
When can you split in blackjack?
What is insurance in blackjack?
What is surrender in blackjack?
Do blackjack rules differ between casinos?
