Blackjack

Overview

• You play against the dealer, not other players.
• Cards 2–10 count their face value, face cards 10, the ace 1 or 11.
• A blackjack is an ace plus a 10 or face card and usually pays 3:2.
• Online versions differ mainly in dealer rules, payouts and side bets.

Rules

1. You receive two face-up cards; the dealer gets one face-up and one face-down (except in European variants).
2. Possible actions: Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, sometimes Surrender.
3. Going over 21 = bust and immediate loss.
4. The dealer draws to 17 (Stand on 17) or hits soft 17 depending on the table.

How to play

1. Pick a table with clear limits and a 3:2 payout, not 6:5.
2. Read the table rules (S17/H17, double rules, surrender).
3. Play strict basic strategy, not gut feeling.
4. Set a session budget and stick to it.

Tips & Strategy

• Memorize the basic-strategy chart for the exact variant you play.
• Always decline insurance — mathematically a losing bet.
• Always split aces and eights, never tens or fives.
• Avoid side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3 — they carry a high house edge.

Common mistakes

• Playing 6:5 tables instead of 3:2.
• Standing on 16 versus a dealer 7.
• Taking insurance against an ace.
• Chasing losses with bigger bets (Martingale).

Odds & Probability

Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino — but only if you play a 3:2 variant with basic strategy.

FAQ