The basic point of Blackjack is to achieve a higher total than the dealer without breaking 21. The player coming closest to 21, without exceeding 21 or coming in lower than the dealer, wins the game and the pot.

Play Progress

As the game begins, the dealer must deal each player a card face up. When the dealer receives the final card, known as the “hole” card, it is dealt face down. Each player then receives a second card dealt face up. Based on the card facing up, each player decides whether to accept more cards. When all players complete their hands, the dealer finally chooses cards for completing the dealer hand. A player wins if the total is higher than the dealer’s total, without going over 21, or if the dealer “busts,” going over 21. If a player has the same total as the dealer, then there is a “stand-off” and no one wins or loses.

Dealer Rules

When playing Blackjack, dealers must follow specific rules. If the dealer’s total cards equal 16 or less, then the dealer must draw more cards. If the hand totals 17 or more, then the dealer may not accept any more cards.

Card Values in Blackjack

All numerical cards are equal to their numerical value. Each face card (Jack, Queen, or King) is worth 10 points. An Ace is worth either 1 or 11 depending on how it best serves the player’s hand. You do not have to decide how much it is worth until everyone has finished drawing cards and you present your hand. Jokers are not used in Blackjack.

Winning Blackjack

Although the game is named Blackjack, that is also the name of a hand that equals 21. If you win a game of Blackjack, then you will generally receive a 3:2 payout. For example, if you bet $10 and win, you will receive $15 in return. Sometimes casinos will run special payouts at a rate of 2:1; if you catch one of these special offers, you can increase your winnings dramatically by participating in the special.