Blackjack Basics
The rules of the game, from card values to every player action
How Blackjack Works
Blackjack is played against the dealer. You and the dealer each receive two cards — yours face up, while the dealer has one face up (the upcard) and one face down (the hole card). Your goal is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10, and aces count as 1 or 11 — whichever is more favorable.
Hand Types
Hard Hands
A hand without an ace counting as 11. For example, 10-6 is a hard 16. These are the most common hand types.
Soft Hands
A hand with an ace counting as 11. For example, A-6 is a soft 17. You can always hit without busting since the ace can revert to 1.
Pairs
Two cards of the same rank. You can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
Dealer Rules
The dealer plays by fixed rules — no decisions. After all players act, the dealer reveals their hole card and must hit on any total of 16 or below and stand on hard 17 or above. The dealer has no choice in the matter, which is why you can make strategic decisions based on their visible upcard.
One important variation: the treatment of soft 17 (e.g., Ace + 6). At most casinos, the dealer hits soft 17 (H17), which slightly increases the house edge. At some tables the dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), which is more favorable for the player. Check the table felt — it will say “Dealer must hit soft 17” or “Dealer must stand on all 17s.”
Player Actions
On your turn, you choose from these actions based on your cards and the dealer's upcard.
Hit
Take another card to improve your total. You can hit as many times as you want, but if your total exceeds 21 you bust and lose immediately.
You have 10 + 3 = 13 against a dealer 8. You hit and receive an 8, making 21. The dealer reveals a 10 in the hole for 18. You win.
Stand
Keep your current hand and end your turn. The dealer then reveals their hole card and plays out their hand by fixed rules.
You have K + 8 = 18 against a dealer 6. You stand. The dealer reveals a 10 for 16, hits, draws a 7, and busts at 23. You win.
Double Down
Double your bet and receive exactly one more card — no further hits allowed. Most profitable on totals of 10 or 11 when the dealer shows a weak upcard.
You have 7 + 4 = 11 against a dealer 6. You double and receive a 10, making 21. The dealer reveals a 10 for 16, hits a 9, and busts at 25. You win double your original bet.
Split
When dealt a pair, split them into two separate hands with an equal bet on each. Each hand is played independently — you can hit, stand, or double on each one.
You have 8 + 8 against a dealer 5. You split. Hand 1 receives a 10 for 18. Hand 2 receives a Q for 18. The dealer reveals a 10 for 15, hits an 8, and busts at 23. Both hands win.
Surrender
Forfeit half your bet and end the hand immediately. Only available as your first action (late surrender) at tables that offer it. A strategic retreat on the worst matchups.
You bet $20 and are dealt 10 + 6 = 16 against a dealer A. Rather than play out a hand you'll lose most of the time, you surrender. You forfeit $10 and keep the other $10.
Key Outcomes
Beyond a regular win or loss, there are a few special outcomes to know.
Blackjack
A natural 21 on your first two cards — an ace plus any ten-value card. This is the best possible hand and pays 3:2 (you win 1.5x your bet). If the dealer also has blackjack, it's a push.
You bet $20 and are dealt A + K = 21. The dealer has 7 showing. They reveal a 10 in the hole for 17. Your blackjack pays 3:2 — you win $30.
Bust
If your hand total exceeds 21, you bust and lose immediately — the dealer doesn't even need to play. This is the biggest risk when hitting on high totals.
You have 10 + 6 = 16 against a dealer 10. You hit and receive a K, making 26. Bust — you lose instantly.
Push
When you and the dealer end with the same total, it's a push (tie). Your bet is returned — you neither win nor lose.
You have 10 + 7 = 17 and stand. The dealer reveals 7 in the hole for 17. Same total — push. Your bet is returned.
Payouts
A natural blackjack traditionally pays 3:2 (1.5x your bet). Some casinos have reduced this to 6:5, which significantly increases the house edge. A regular win pays 1:1 (even money). If you and the dealer both have blackjack, it's a push and your bet is returned.