Blackjack Rules
Master the fundamentals before learning strategy
The Objective
The goal of blackjack is simple: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. You can do this in three ways:
- 1.Get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over
- 2.Have the dealer bust (go over 21) while you stay under
- 3.Get a blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) when the dealer doesn't
Important: You're not trying to get as close to 21 as possible. You're trying to beat the dealer. Sometimes standing on 12 is the right play!
Card Values
Face value
A 7 is worth 7 points
Worth 10
All face cards equal 10
Worth 1 or 11
Whichever benefits you
Soft vs Hard: A hand with an Ace counted as 11 is “soft” (e.g., A+6 = soft 17). If the Ace must count as 1 to avoid busting, it's “hard” (e.g., A+6+10 = hard 17).
How a Hand Plays Out
Place Your Bet
Choose how much to wager before cards are dealt.
Initial Deal
You receive two cards face up. The dealer gets one card face up (the “upcard”) and one face down (the “hole card”).
Player's Turn
You decide to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender based on your hand and the dealer's upcard.
Dealer's Turn
The dealer reveals the hole card and must hit until reaching 17 or higher. Most casinos have the dealer stand on soft 17 (S17).
Resolution
Compare totals. Higher wins, ties push, busts lose immediately.
Player Actions
Hit
Take another card. You can hit as many times as you want until you stand or bust.
Stand
Keep your current total and end your turn. The dealer then plays.
Double Down
Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Use this when you have a strong position (like 11 vs dealer 6). Only available on your first two cards.
Split
If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands. Each hand gets an additional card and you play them independently. Always split Aces and 8s, never split 10s or 5s.
Surrender
Give up half your bet and fold. Only available on your first two cards. Use this in desperate situations (like 16 vs dealer 10).
Payouts
| Outcome | Payout | Example ($10 bet) |
|---|---|---|
| BlackjackNatural 21 | 3:2 | +$15 |
| Win | 1:1 | +$10 |
| Push (Tie) | 0 | $0 |
| Lose / Bust | -1 | -$10 |
| Surrender | -0.5 | -$5 |
Beware 6:5 Blackjack: Some casinos pay only 6:5 for blackjack instead of 3:2. This nearly triples the house edge. Always play 3:2 tables when possible.
Understanding the Math
With perfect basic strategy, the house edge in blackjack is only about 0.5% - one of the lowest of any table game. This makes it an excellent game for understanding probability concepts.
Learning card counting techniques can help you identify when the remaining deck favors the player and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Count21 helps you understand these mathematical concepts through practice with virtual chips - no real money is involved.