Blackjack Rules
Blackjack is played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards. The rules are consistent across most versions of the game — once you know them, you can sit at any blackjack table worldwide. This is your complete reference for blackjack card game rules.
Now you know the rules — play blackjack at our recommended casino with 3:2 payouts and classic multi-deck tables.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus →18+ · Play responsibly · T&Cs apply
Core Rules of Blackjack
Objective: Beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 without exceeding it.
Players vs Dealer: All players at the table play against the dealer, not against each other.
Winning: Your hand beats the dealer if it is closer to 21 without going over 21. If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players win.
Blackjack (Natural): An Ace and a 10-value card as your first two cards. Pays 3:2 in standard games. A blackjack beats any other 21.
Push (Tie): If your hand total equals the dealer's, no money changes hands — your bet is returned.
Card Values in Blackjack
| Card | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Face value | A 5 is worth 5 points |
| 10, Jack, Queen, King | 10 | All four types count as 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 | Counts as 11 unless that would cause a bust, then counts as 1 |
The Deal
The game begins with players placing their bets. The dealer then deals two cards to each player and two to themselves:
- Player cards: both face-up
- Dealer cards: one face-up (the up-card), one face-down (the hole card)
In European blackjack (no hole card), the dealer only receives one card initially. The second card is dealt after all players have acted.
Ready to play Blackjack Rules? Our recommended casinos offer fair games and great bonuses.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus →18+ · Play responsibly · T&Cs apply
Player Actions
Hit: Request another card. You may hit as many times as you like. Going over 21 is a bust — you lose immediately.
Stand: Keep your current hand. Your turn ends.
Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive exactly one more card. Most games allow doubling on any two-card total; some restrict it to 9, 10, or 11.
Split: When your first two cards are a pair (or any two 10-value cards), you may split them into two separate hands. Place a second bet equal to your first. Each hand receives a second card and plays independently.
Surrender: Available at some tables — forfeit half your bet and end the hand. Late surrender: you may surrender after the dealer checks for blackjack. Early surrender: rare, allowed before the dealer checks.
Insurance: When the dealer shows an Ace, you may bet up to half your original bet that the dealer has blackjack. Pays 2:1 if correct. The house edge on insurance is 5.8% — avoid it.
Dealer Rules
The dealer follows fixed rules with no choices:
- The dealer must hit on any total of 16 or lower
- The dealer must stand on any total of 17 or higher (in S17 games)
- In H17 games, the dealer hits on soft 17 (Ace-6) and stands on hard 17+
The dealer acts after all players have completed their hands. If the dealer busts, all players still in the game win automatically.
Payouts and Rule Variations
| Result | Payout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (Natural) | 3:2 | Ace + 10-value on first two cards |
| Regular win | 1:1 | Any other win over the dealer |
| Push (tie) | 0 — bet returned | Equal totals, no money exchanged |
| Insurance win | 2:1 | Dealer has blackjack; bet was half your stake |
| Surrender | Return half bet | You give up the hand |
Ready to play Blackjack Rules? Our recommended casinos offer fair games and great bonuses.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus →18+ · Play responsibly · T&Cs apply
Common Rule Variations
Rules vary between casinos and tables. These are the most significant variations:
Decks: 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 decks. More decks slightly increases the house edge.
S17 vs H17: Dealer Stands on soft 17 (S17) vs Hits on soft 17 (H17). S17 is better for players.
Blackjack pays 6:5: Some tables pay 6:5 on blackjack instead of 3:2. This adds 1.4% to the house edge. Avoid these tables.
Double after split (DAS): Allows doubling after splitting a pair. Better for players when available.
Re-splitting: Some games allow splitting again if a split hand produces another pair. Re-splitting Aces is rarely allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic rules of blackjack?
Beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21. Face cards are worth 10, Aces are 1 or 11, all other cards are face value. You can hit, stand, double, or split. The dealer must hit on 16 or below and stand on 17 or above.
What beats what in blackjack?
A blackjack (natural) beats any other 21. Otherwise, higher hand totals beat lower ones. If both hands tie, it is a push and no money changes hands.
What happens if both player and dealer get blackjack?
It is a push — your bet is returned. A player blackjack does not beat a dealer blackjack; they are considered equal.
Can you split any pair in blackjack?
Yes — if your first two cards are the same denomination (or any two 10-value cards), you can split. The rules for which pairs you should split are covered in basic strategy.
What is the bust rule in blackjack?
If your hand exceeds 21 at any point, you bust and lose your bet immediately — even if the dealer later busts too. This is why the player acting first gives the casino its mathematical edge.
Now you know the rules — play blackjack at our recommended casino with 3:2 payouts and classic multi-deck tables.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus →18+ · Play responsibly · T&Cs apply