Many new players feel lost at the blackjack table, unsure of when to hit or stand. Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games because it offers better odds than most other games.
This guide will teach you how to play blackjack for beginners with simple rules and basic strategy tips. Ready to beat the dealer?
The Objective of Blackjack
Now that you understand what blackjack is, let’s focus on its main goal. Blackjack has a simple objective: beat the dealer without going over 21. Unlike poker, you don’t compete against other players at the table.
Your only opponent is the dealer. The game starts with each player getting two cards face up, while the dealer receives one card face up and one card face down (the hole card).
The magic number in blackjack is 21. You aim to get closer to this number than the dealer. If your cards total more than 21, you “bust” and lose your bet right away. If your hand stays under 21 and beats the dealer’s total, you win.
The best possible hand is a “blackjack” – an ace with a 10-value card that gives you 21 points in just two cards. This perfect hand typically pays out more than regular wins, making it the most exciting outcome at the blackjack table.
Basic Rules of Blackjack
Blackjack rules are simple to learn but take practice to master. You’ll need to understand how card values work and the betting process before you sit at a table.
Card values and scoring
Cards in blackjack have specific values you need to know before playing. Number cards (2-10) count as their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value helps your hand most.
Your goal is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Going over 21 means you “bust” and lose your bet right away.
The best possible hand is called a “blackjack” – an Ace with any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). This natural blackjack pays more than regular wins, usually 3:2 on your bet.
I’ve seen many new players get confused about Ace values, but it’s simple – the Ace counts as 11 unless that would make you bust, then it counts as 1. For example, if you hold an Ace and a 5, your total is 16 (or 6), and you can safely take another card.
In blackjack, the Ace is the most powerful card in the deck – it’s the only card that can change its value to help your hand. – Arnold Snyder, blackjack expert
How betting works
Now that you understand card values, let’s talk about betting in blackjack. Players must place their bets before any cards are dealt. Each blackjack table has minimum and maximum bet limits posted clearly for all players.
You simply put your chips in the betting circle in front of your spot at the table to make your wager. The dealer won’t deal cards to spots without bets.
Betting in blackjack happens at the start of each hand against the dealer, not other players. If you win, the casino pays you 1:1 on your bet – a $10 bet wins you $10. A blackjack (an ace with a 10-value card) typically pays 3:2, meaning a $10 bet would win $15.
I’ve found that managing my bankroll by setting limits on losses and sticking to them helps me enjoy the game longer at the table.
The Gameplay
The gameplay starts when the dealer gives two cards to each player and takes two for themselves. Players must then make quick choices based on their cards and the dealer’s visible card.
The deal and the initial hand
Blackjack starts with each player placing bets before any cards are dealt. The dealer gives every player two cards face up, while taking one card face up and one card face down for themselves.
This face-down card is called the “hole card.” Your initial hand value comes from adding your two cards together. Face cards (kings, queens, jacks) count as 10 points, aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, and all other cards keep their numeric value.
Players aim to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over this magic number.
Blackjack is the only casino game where players can gain a mathematical edge over the house. – Edward O. Thorp
Your next move depends on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. You must decide whether to hit (take another card) or stand (keep your current hand). This choice forms the core of blackjack strategy and will determine if you beat the dealer or bust by exceeding 21.
When to hit or stand
Knowing when to hit or stand forms the core of basic blackjack strategy. Players must make this choice based on their hand value and the dealer’s upcard.
- Hit when your hand totals 8 or less, as you cannot bust with one more card.
- Always hit on soft hands (hands with an Ace counted as 11) of 17 or less to improve your total without risk of busting.
- Stand when your hand totals 17 or higher, as the risk of busting becomes too great.
- Hit on hard 12-16 if the dealer shows 7 or higher card, as the dealer has a strong position.
- Stand on hard 12-16 if the dealer shows a weak card (2-6), letting the dealer take the risk of busting.
- Stand on all hard 17s (hands without an Ace, or with an Ace counted as 1) to avoid the high risk of busting.
- Hit on a pair of 8s against a dealer’s 10 if you cannot split them, though splitting is usually better.
- Stand on a pair of aces if splitting is not allowed, as your 12 gives you options.
- Hit on a 16 against a dealer’s ace, despite the risk, as standing gives you poor odds.
- Stand on a “soft 18” (Ace plus 7) against dealer cards 2-8, but hit against 9, 10, or Ace.
Key Strategies for Beginners
Smart beginners need to master a few key moves to boost their blackjack game. Learning when to double down, split pairs, and avoid sucker bets will cut the house edge and stretch your bankroll.
Doubling down
Doubling down gives blackjack players a powerful option to increase their profits. This move lets you double your original bet after seeing your first two cards, but you’ll receive only one more card.
Smart players use this strategy when they hold a strong hand (like 10 or 11) and the dealer shows a weak upcard (like 4, 5, or 6). The math works in your favor because you have a good chance to hit 20 or 21, while the dealer might bust.
Many casino blackjack tables allow doubling on any two cards, though some limit this option to certain hand values.
You should avoid doubling down with hands that could easily bust, such as 16 or higher. The basic strategy chart can guide your doubling decisions at the blackjack table. Online blackjack games follow the same doubling rules as physical casinos, but table limits may affect how much you can double.
This tactic helps reduce the house edge when used correctly, making it essential for players who want to maximize their chances against the dealer.
Splitting pairs
Similar to doubling down, splitting pairs gives you another strategic option at the blackjack table. Splitting works when you receive two cards of the same value, such as two 8s or two Aces.
You can split these cards into two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to your first one. The dealer then gives each card a new second card, creating two distinct hands. Each hand plays out normally against the dealer’s hand.
This move works best with certain pairs – most experts agree you should always split Aces and 8s. Splitting Aces gives you two chances at hitting blackjack, while splitting 8s helps you avoid the troublesome total of 16.
Some pairs should never be split at the blackjack table. Tens, face cards, and 5s typically perform better as single hands. I once split a pair of 10s against a dealer’s 6 and lost both hands – a painful lesson about following basic strategy.
Most casinos allow re-splitting if you draw another matching card, though rules vary by location. Online blackjack games often display a “split” button that appears automatically when you have eligible pairs.
Learning when to split pairs forms a crucial part of basic blackjack strategy that can improve your odds against the house.
Avoiding insurance bets
While splitting pairs can improve your chances in blackjack, insurance bets work against you. Insurance bets appear as a safety net but actually favor the casino. The dealer offers this side bet when their face-up card is an ace, letting you wager that their hidden card equals 10 points.
Most experts agree this bet hurts your bankroll over time. The math shows insurance bets have a high house edge of around 7%, making them poor choices for smart players.
You should skip insurance bets at the blackjack table regardless of your hand strength. Many new players fall for this trap because it sounds like protection against dealer blackjack.
The odds simply don’t justify the cost. Instead, focus on basic strategy decisions like when to hit or stand based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. Your money lasts longer when you avoid these costly side bets and stick to standard play.
This approach works both in physical casinos and online blackjack games.
Tips for Winning at Blackjack
Smart blackjack players know when to quit, set strict money limits, and watch for hot streaks at the table – read on to learn these winning tricks and more!
Managing your bankroll
Smart money management forms the backbone of blackjack success. Set a firm budget before you sit at any blackjack table and stick to it no matter what happens during play. Your bankroll should be money you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life.
Many players follow the 5% rule – never bet more than 5% of your total funds on a single hand. This helps protect your cash during losing streaks while giving you enough hands to see your strategy work.
Track your wins and losses carefully to understand your playing patterns.
Casino games can quickly drain your wallet if you chase losses. The best blackjack players know exactly when to increase their bets and when to scale back. If you win several hands in a row, consider setting aside your original stake and playing with your profits.
This technique lets you enjoy longer sessions at the blackjack table without risking your entire bankroll. Online casinos often offer no deposit bonuses that can help stretch your funds while you practice basic strategy with less financial risk.
Knowing when to walk away
Smart players set firm limits before they sit at the blackjack table. You must decide on a loss limit and stick to it no matter what happens during play. The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer without going over 21, not to recover losses through bigger bets.
Many beginners make the mistake of chasing losses, which often leads to empty wallets. Your bankroll needs clear boundaries that signal when it’s time to stop playing.
Winning streaks create false confidence that can ruin your game plan. Even if you’re up by a large amount, the casino always holds a slight edge in blackjack. The house advantage will catch up eventually if you play too long.
Good players recognize this math reality and cash out their chips after reaching a preset win goal. This disciplined approach helps protect your profits and ensures you’ll have money to play another day.
Conclusion
Blackjack offers a perfect mix of luck and skill for new players. You now know the basic rules, card values, and key moves like when to hit, stand, or double down. Smart bankroll management will keep you in the game longer and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Practice these strategies at online blackjack sites before trying your luck at a real casino table. The more you play, the better you’ll get at making quick decisions that can turn the odds in your favor.
Now grab a deck of cards and start practicing!
FAQs
1. What are the basic blackjack rules for beginners?
Blackjack is a card game played with a standard 52-card pack where your goal is to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Face cards count as 10, aces can be 1 or 11, and all other cards keep their number value. Players win when their hand beats the dealer’s or when the dealer busts by exceeding 21.
2. When should I hit or stand in blackjack?
Hit when your hand totals 11 or less. Stand on hard 17 or higher. With 12-16, hit if the dealer shows 7 or higher. Following basic strategy charts will improve your odds at the blackjack table.
3. What does doubling down mean?
Doubling down lets you double your bet after seeing your first two cards, but you’ll receive only one more card. This blackjack strategy works best with hand totals of 10 or 11 when the dealer shows a weak upcard.
4. Should I split a pair of aces or 8s?
Always split a pair of aces or 8s. Splitting aces gives you two chances at hitting blackjack, while 8s total 16, which is the worst possible hand in the game.
5. Is card counting illegal in casinos?
Card counting isn’t illegal, but casinos don’t welcome card counters and may ask you to leave if they suspect you’re tracking cards. The practice involves keeping track of high and low cards as the dealer shuffles through the deck to gain an edge.
6. Can I play blackjack online for real money?
Yes, online blackjack games are available at many online casinos like DraftKings, where you can use PayPal for transactions. Live dealer casinos offer interactive blackjack experiences with real dealers who handle physical cards through video streaming.