How to Play Blackjack

Most online gamers are big fans of blackjack because it offers straightforward gameplay. You’ll find different versions of the popular card game in many online casinos in the US. However, if you want to make the most out of sessions and stand a winning chance, it’s important to know how to play blackjack and the best strategies to follow. 

We've done the legwork to provide all you need to know about this card game, including the rules and how to get started. You’ll get all the details as you read on. 

Basic Blackjack Rules

Blackjack is a card game where you play against the dealer. The goal is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand closer to 21 without going over.

Each player and the dealer get two cards. Players' cards are dealt face-up, but only one of the dealer's cards is shown. You have these choices:

• Hit: Take another card to increase your total

• Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn

• Double Down: Double your bet and take exactly one more card

• Split: If you have two cards of the same value, separate them into two hands

If your cards add up to more than 21, you "bust" and lose your bet right away.

Card Values

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value

• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points

• Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points (whichever helps your hand more)

Blackjack Dealer Rules

The dealer plays last after all players finish their hands. Unlike players, dealers must follow fixed rules of blackjack, which can vary between different games but in most cases are:

• The dealer must hit until their hand totals 17 or higher

• They must stand on 17 or higher (including "soft 17" in some games, which is 17 with an ace counted as 11)

• The dealer has no choice to double down or split

Blackjack Hand Rankings and Terminology

There are several terms you should know when playing blackjack. Noting them will help you follow the flow of the game, make smarter choices, and feel way more confident at the table. Check them out below:

Blackjack  

If your hand is an Ace and any 10-point card, you have the best possible hand. This gives you 21, which is blackjack and the point of the game. If you get a blackjack and the dealer hasn’t, you win immediately, normally at a 3 to 2 payout.  

Bust

Going “bust” means your hand total went over 21. At this point, your hand is instantly lost, no matter what the dealer's hand ends up having.  

Hit

When you request an additional card, you're hitting. Usually, people do that when their score is lower than expected and think they can get closer to 21 without busting.  

Stand

Saying no to additional cards translates to standing. You wish to keep the total as is, so now the dealer will take his turn.  

Push

This is a tie. If both you and the dealer end up with the same hand total (like 18 vs. 18), it’s called a push. Your original bet is returned, and nobody wins or loses.

Double Down

Doubling down is a daring play when you have a strong beginning hand (like 11) and believe that one more card might place you in a winning position. It involves doubling your previous wager and receiving solely one additional card.

Split

If you have two cards of the same rank (such as two eights), you can “split” them into two individual hands, and in turn, two separate bets. This can be a powerful technique when used correctly.

Soft Hand

A “soft” hand has an Ace in it, which can count as one or eleven. For example, an Ace and a six count as a “soft 17.” A soft hand is more forgiving because you can hit without the same risk of going bust.

Hard Hand

A “hard” hand is a blackjack hand that does not contain an Ace or has an Ace that must be counted as one (rather than 11) to avoid going bust. Example: A hard 17 could be a 10 and a 7. In this case, the total is already too high, and drawing another card could result in busting.

Insurance

If the card the dealer shows is an Ace, you will have the opportunity to place an “insurance,” a side wager that pays 2:1 if the dealer holds a ten under the table, thus giving him a blackjack. The majority of players avoid it since it tends to disadvantage the player.

Surrender 

Certain games provide a “surrender” feature that allows you to forfeit your hand prematurely in exchange for receiving half your stake back. This feature can be useful in some difficult circumstances; however, it is not always available.

How to Play Blackjack Online

You can easily play online blackjack at online casinos in the US. We’ll walk you through the steps below:

1. Find a game: Find a blackjack variant you want to play at an online casino and click Play. Whether it’s a live dealer game or a regular game, you’ll soon get your cards and see the dealer’s hand.

2. Decide whether to 'Hit' or 'Stand': Check your hand and that of the dealer to devise how you can get as close to 21 without going over. 

• Hit: Ask for another card when you are confident that, based on the current value of your cards, the next card won’t bust you, or you want to take the chance of getting a better hand than the dealer.

• Stand: Get no more cards, and the dealer now has to continue to the next player. You do this when your card total is already high, and adding another will likely bust you.  

3. Check your hand value: Your hand value will likely have changed because of your recent move. If your hand value is 21 or lower, you’re still in the game.

4. Dealer reveals their cards: The dealer will expose their face-down card.

5. Check results: You win by busting the dealer if your hand is closer to 21 than theirs. The dealer wins if their hand total is 21 or closer to it than anybody else's. If you win, the dealer will hand up your winnings. 

Blackjack Tips

No strategy can indeed guarantee a win when playing online blackjack. Still, following a few tips can improve your chances when at the table. Here are some blackjack strategies you can keep in mind:

• Know the rules before you play: The rules can differ from one game to another and can be quite significant. For example, some tables pay 3:2 on a blackjack, while others only pay 6:5. That may not seem important, but over time, the 3:2 payout offers higher returns. If playing soft 17, check if the dealer hits or stands as well as enabling or disabling doubling after a split.

• Understand card values: Blackjack isn’t complicated when it comes to math. However, you’ll have to value each card properly. It’ll help you to make smart decisions, such as when to stand, hit, or double down.

• Start small and build up: As someone who is still coming to grips with everything, it’s advisable to go to low-stakes blackjack for beginners or try demo versions first. This way, you can ensure that the money you have doesn’t go to waste. As you play some hands and are confident in your decisions, only then should you think of scaling up your bets.

• Never hit on 20: This seems obvious, but you’d be shocked at how many people make a panic decision to hit anyway. If you’re sitting on 20, your odds of improving are practically non-existent, and you’re maintaining an excellent position to win the hand. Just stand and hope the dealer busts.

• Observe the dealer’s upcard: This is one of the most important things to watch. If the dealer is showing a 2 through 6, they're in a weaker position and more likely to bust, so you may want to play more conservatively. If they reveal 7 or higher, you will need to be more aggressive to outpace them.

• Avoid chasing losses: Blackjack can be streaky. In some sessions, there’ll be the feeling that you’re completely on a roll, while other times you’ll lose a few hands in a row. This is simply part of the game. Control your spending, stand up from the table when it is not your day, and avoid making desperate attempts to win it all back with larger wagers.

Different Blackjack Variants at Online Casinos

Here are some of the popular blackjack versions you can play at US online casinos:

Infinite Blackjack

Infinite Blackjack is a live dealer game that allows an unlimited number of players to join and play the same starting hand while still making their own decisions. With low minimum bets and four optional side bets like Hot 3 and Bust It, it’s a great choice for both casual players and blackjack enthusiasts looking for nonstop action.

Lightning Blackjack

Lightning Blackjack adds an electrifying twist to the classic game by offering random multipliers on winning hands. This game is also developed by Evolution and keeps standard blackjack rules but adds an interesting twist with potential payouts, especially during hot streaks.

5 Hand Blackjack

5 Hand Blackjack lets you play up to five hands at once, giving you more opportunities to win in a single round. It’s ideal for players who enjoy a faster pace and like to test different strategies side by side.

Blackjack Single Deck

Blackjack Single Deck uses just one deck of cards, offering better odds for players who can count cards or track compositions. With fewer cards in play, every decision matters more, making it a favorite for strategy-focused players.

Blackjack Xchange

Blackjack Xchange gives you the option to swap cards between hands after the initial deal, adding a unique layer of control and strategy. This twist can turn weak hands into strong ones and keeps the gameplay fresh and dynamic.

Common Blackjack Mistakes to Avoid

While blackjack is a beginner-friendly casino game, there are a few mistakes new players often make. Recognizing these habits and avoiding them is the first step to playing smarter. They include the following:

• Trying to recoup losses by exponentially increasing bets after a losing streak.  

• Standing on hands like 12 or 13 when the dealer shows a weak upcard.  

• Taking a hit on 17 or higher “just to see what happens.”    

• Not using basic strategy charts.  

• Playing under distraction or when in a bad mood.  

• Using too much bankroll in a single bet.  

• Ignoring the dealer's upcard entirely.  

• Not making use of available promotions or bonuses strategically.     

• Overly trusting the existence of “hot” or “cold” streaks.

• Thinking that blackjack is purely luck and not learning the odds.

Responsible Gambling

Blackjack is meant to be fun. Whether you’re playing for $1 or $100 a hand, the experience should stay exciting and stress-free. That’s where responsible gambling comes in.

It's easy to lose sight of the big picture when you're riding the roller coaster of emotions, but the top players are always able to pull themselves together. Never play blackjack with the intention of making money; instead, establish and adhere to a budget before you begin. If you ever feel like things are getting out of control or you’re not enjoying the game the way you used to, there are great resources that can help

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): Offers confidential help, resources, and a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.

• Gamblers Anonymous (GA): A 12-step fellowship for individuals seeking to stop gambling. Offers in-person and online meetings across the United States and globally.

• Gam-Anon: A support network for spouses, family, and friends of problem gamblers. Provides guidance, community, and tools to help loved ones cope.

• SMART Recovery: A science-based recovery program that helps people manage addictive behaviors, including problem gambling. Offers both in-person and online meetings.

Visit our responsible gambling section for additional resources and guidance.