Online Blackjack Guide

What Is Blackjack?

Blackjack, also known as 21, is the most widely played casino banking game in the world. It's a comparing card game between you and the dealer, where the objective is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over.

Unlike many casino games, blackjack involves genuine skill and strategy. By learning basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5%, making it one of the best odds games in the casino.

Card Values

• Number cards (2-10): Face value
• Face cards (J, Q, K): Worth 10
• Ace: Worth 1 or 11 (whichever benefits you)

A "soft" hand contains an Ace counted as 11. A "hard" hand either has no Ace or the Ace counts as 1.

How to Play

1. Place your bet before cards are dealt
2. Receive two cards face up. Dealer gets one face up, one face down
3. Decide your action: Hit, Stand, Double, Split or Surrender
4. Dealer reveals their hidden card after all players act
5. Dealer must hit on 16 or below, stand on 17 or above
6. Closest to 21 wins. Ties (push) return your bet

Player Actions

Basic Strategy Tips

• Always stand on hard 17 or higher
• Always hit on hard 11 or lower
• Always split Aces and 8s
• Never split 10s or 5s
• Double on 11 against dealer 2-10
• Avoid insurance bets - they favour the house

Blackjack Payouts

• Blackjack (21 with first 2 cards): 3:2 (or 6:5 at some tables - avoid these)
• Regular win: 1:1 (even money)
• Insurance: 2:1 (if dealer has blackjack)