How to play Blackjack : Rules guide

Welcome to the first article in our online blackjack guide ! Whether you're new to the game or an experienced player, either physical or online blackjack always offers something new to learn. In this article, you'll find valuable information, from the basics to more advanced rules, to enhance your gameplay.

Blackjack rules for beginners

Essential in all casinos around the world, blackjack is undoubtedly the most popular table game alongside roulette. Offering players an advantage over the casino, it is relatively easy to learn. Its rules are accessible to anyone who can count to 21 and add cards correctly. Here is a detailed overview of the rules.
The basics
Blackjack is a card game played with a dealer and at least one player. In land-based casinos, blackjack tables generally host 5, 6, or 7 people for a full table. Between 4 and 6 decks of 52 cards are used, and the dealer then uses a shoe.

Card values in Blackjack

In blackjack, knowing the numerical value of each card is essential to hope to win. Therefore, note the following:

• Cards numbered from 2 to 10 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) retain their face value, regardless of suit. Thus, a 4 of hearts will have the same value as a 4 of spades.
• Face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are all worth 10, regardless of suit.
• The Ace is a special card in blackjack. It can have a value of 1 or 11, depending on its benefit to the hand in which it is held.

On this basis, to determine the value of a blackjack hand, simply sum the values of the cards in it. For example, a hand containing a 6 and a 4 will be worth 10 points (4+6=10).

Similarly, a hand containing a Queen and a 10 will have the same value as a hand containing two Kings, for example, which is 20 (10+10). Finally, a hand containing an Ace and a face card is worth 21 points, which is called an automatic blackjack (11+10=21). In blackjack, 21 is the goal.

Objective of Blackjack

The principle of blackjack is quite simple. To win the game, the player must beat the dealer by obtaining a higher hand without exceeding 21, which is considered the highest score in the game.

Some experienced players have also learned advanced techniques, such as card counting, to increase their chances of winning against the casino by tracking the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck.

Game flow

At the beginning of a blackjack game, the dealer deals 2 cards to each player around the table, including themselves. The players’ two cards are face up, while the dealer keeps their first card hidden. Only the second card is revealed. After the first two cards are dealt, different options are available to players depending on the value of their hand.

Case 1 : The natural

The term Natural or “natural blackjack” is used when the player receives an initial hand of two cards worth 21. They are then paid 3 to 2 (or 3:2) on their initial bet.

Case 2 : The game continues

If the player’s hand does not total 21, they can choose between different options: stand, hit, double down, surrender, split, or take insurance (we will explain these terms in more detail later).

To make the right decision, the player must consider the dealer’s revealed card and make an educated guess about the hidden one. If the player believes their hand is not strong enough to beat the dealer’s, they can request a “hit” to draw another card.

The player can repeat this action as many times as they like until they are satisfied with their hand’s value, but only as long as the total does not exceed 21. If it does, the player is said to have “busted,” and they lose the game. In an online casino, once you have finished drawing and are satisfied with your hand, it is the dealer’s turn to act.

In general, players stop drawing when they reach a hand valued between 16 and 21 points. Of course, before drawing, the player must always assess the risk of “busting” by ensuring the dealer holds high-value cards. In a physical casino, all players must act before the dealer, who always acts last in blackjack.

Dealer’s actions

The dealer’s first action is to reveal their hidden card. The dealer's actions are then determined based on the value of their hand:

• If their hand is worth 16 or less, they are required to draw another card.
• If their hand is worth 17 or more, they must stand. In the case of a “soft 17” (an Ace and a 7), the rule may vary from one casino to another. In some cases, “busting” is impossible because the Ace is counted as 1 point. The dealer must then draw.
• If the dealer “busts” (exceeds 21) while drawing, players who have not busted win. If the dealer does not “bust,” players with a stronger hand than the dealer’s are paid 1 to 1. In the case of a tie or “push,” no one wins.

Advanced Blackjack rules

After receiving their cards, a player may also choose to “double down”. In simple terms, this means they request only one additional card and double their bet. Another option available to the player is to “split”. To do this, the player must have two cards of the same value in their initial hand, which are then used as the starting cards for two new hands. In this case, the bet is also doubled.

If the player believes their initial hand cannot win, they can minimize their losses by surrendering. They then withdraw from the game, leaving half their bet. Finally, when the player believes the dealer has a “natural” blackjack with their initial hand, they can take insurance. This option is available when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. If the dealer indeed has a blackjack, the player gets their entire bet back. Otherwise, they lose half of their bet, in addition to any loss or gain from the current hand’s score.

As we can see, the blackjack player can take the time to develop a well-thought-out strategy. This gives them a significant advantage over the dealer, who must strictly follow the rules.