Blackjack is typically played with 4 to 6 decks of 52 cards. Cards 2 to 10 are worth their face value, face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 10, and Aces can count as 1 or 11.
You place a bet and receive 2 open cards. You can "hit" to get more cards or "stand" to keep your hand. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
An Ace plus a face card is Blackjack—the best hand—usually paying 1:1. If your total beats the dealer’s without busting, you win.
After your first two cards, you can:
- Hit: Take another card.
- Stand: Keep your current hand.
- Double Down: Double your bet, get one more card, then stand.
- Split: If you have a pair, split into two hands with separate bets.
- Insurance: If the dealer’s first card is an Ace, bet half your original stake for a 2:1 payout if the dealer has Blackjack.
The dealer reveals their cards last and must hit until reaching at least 17. The winner is whoever has a hand closer to 21 without busting.
- Bust: Exceeding 21 means you lose immediately.
- Push: If your hand ties with the dealer’s, your bet is returned.