Setup
Players
- 2-8
Materials
- Standard deck of 52 playing cards
- Optionally can be played with multiple decks at once
Scoring
- Each numbered card is worth its face value
- King, Queen, and Jack are worth 10
- Aces can be worth 1 or 11
Objective
Beat the dealer by getting 21, or as close to 21 as you can without going over.
Gameplay
Before the cards are dealt each player must place a bet in front of them in the designated betting space on the table. There will typically be a minimum bet and a maximum bet.
The dealer will shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly and asks one of the players to cut the deck by sliding a plastic insert into the cards. Cards below this insert will not be used, and when the insert is hit the cards will be shuffled again.
When all players have their bets, the dealer will start dealing cards clockwise from their position dealing to themselves last. Each player will receive 2 face-up cards in front of them. The dealer will get deal their first card face up and the second face-down.
Blackjack
If any player is dealt an Ace and any 10 card (10, Jack, Queen, King) this is a natural blackjack. Any player who gets dealt a natural blackjack when the dealer does not immediately gets paid 1.5x their bet amount. So if the bet was $10 they would be paid out $15.
Gameplay
The player to the left of the dealer plays first and must choose to “stand” or “hit”. Choosing stand means that you do not want to be dealt any more cards and play continues to the player to the left. Choosing “hit” means that you would like another card dealt to you from the top of the deck to try and get closer to 21. If a player decides to hit the total value of their cards exceeds 21 this is called a “bust,” and the player loses their bet to the dealer.
If you are dealt any numbered card other than 10 and an Ace this is known as a soft hand as you can choose whether the Ace is equal to 1 or 11. So if you are dealt a 5 and an Ace your total could be 6 or 16, this would be a “soft 16”.
When play reaches the dealer they will look at their face down card. If their total hand equals 17 or more (including soft hands) they must stand. If it is 16 or less the dealer must hit. If the dealer busts every player who has not busted wins and must be paid their bet amount. If the dealer does not bust bets will be paid out to any player who’s hand equals more than the dealers and players whose hand equals less then their dealers must pay their bet to the dealer. If any player ties the dealer this is called a “push” and the bet is neither paid nor taken.
Table Signals
You can choose to hit or stand verbally or with hand signals. Scratching the table with a finger in a motion towards your hand is the signal for “hit” and waving your hand palm down over your cards is the signal for “stand”.
Splitting Cards
If the first two cards dealt to you are the same ie: two 5’s or two Jacks you can choose to split these cards into two separate hands on your turn. Your original bet goes on one of the hands and an equal bet must be placed on the second. The dealer will deal another face-up card with each split card so that you are now playing two hands. The player will first play the leftmost hand choosing to hit or stand and the rightmost hand second. These two hands are played on their own so if you bust on one you only lose the bet associated with that hand.
Doubling Down
If the two cards dealt to you equal 9, 10, or 11 you can choose to Double Down. This will double your current bet and you will only be dealt one more card. To do this on your turn place another bet equal to your original bet next to your original bet.
Insurance
If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace every player will have the option of purchasing insurance before anyone plays their hands. This will usually be an amount equal to half your bet that you can pay as insurance against the dealer having Blackjack. If you decide to buy insurance and the dealer has Blackjack only your insurance will be collected instead of your bet.
Tips and Strategy
Going into a game of Blackjack with a basic strategy is a great idea. Most strategies are built off of the dealer’s face up card. If the dealer is showing a 5 you know they are going to have to hit regardless of what their face down card is since the dealer must hit on any combination 16 or less. In this scenario you should stand on any hand equaling 12 or more. If the dealer’s face up card is a 9, 10, Jack, Queen, or King you should typically hit until your hand is 17 or more.
FAQs
Is Blackjack the best casino game for the player?
When each player at the table is using a good basic strategy Blackjack usually has the best odds for winning for the players.
Do you hit or stand on 16?
Deciding when to hit and when to stand is almost always influenced by the dealer’s up card. If the dealer is showing a 7, 8, 9, or 10 it can make sense to hit on 16.
Is there a secret to winning Blackjack?
The secret is to go into the game with a strategy. Know when to double down, know when to split your cards, and most importantly know when to hit and when to stand.
