Blackjack

Blackjack: The King of Casino Table Games

Blackjack reigns supreme as the most popular casino table game, readily available at nearly every online casino. Its relatively low house edge and manageable variance make it a smart choice for bonus play (where permitted).

Gameplay and Rules

Card values in Blackjack are summed to determine hand totals. For instance, a 4, 5, and 6 total 15. Face cards are worth 10, while Aces flexibly count as either 1 or 11 (an Ace and a 7 equals 8 or 18). The goal? Achieve the highest hand total without exceeding 21 (a "bust"). Busting instantly forfeits your bet, regardless of the dealer's hand. A 2-card 21 is a coveted "Blackjack," the highest-ranking hand, paying a generous 3:2 bonus. Other winning hands pay 1:1.

After betting, both player and dealer receive two cards. One dealer card is face-up. Standard rules dictate a dealer peek for Blackjack if an Ace or 10-value card is showing. An exposed Ace offers the player "insurance" against a dealer Blackjack (paying 2:1 if the dealer's hidden card is a 10 or face card). However, insurance carries a significant house edge (2-15%, varying by deck and cards played), making it generally disadvantageous unless specific circumstances (like a ten-rich deck) exist. (See our dedicated insurance exceptions page for details). A dealer Blackjack ends the round. Otherwise, the player decides how to proceed:

• Stand: Keep your current hand.
• Hit: Take another card (repeatedly until you reach 21 or bust).
• Double: Double your bet and receive one more card (ending the hand). Only available on 2-card hands.
• Split: If you have two equal-value cards, create two separate hands, doubling your bet. Each hand receives an additional card. Split Aces end after the second card; other splits allow hitting, standing, or doubling on each hand (a second split may also be permitted).

Strategic Play

Despite complex rules, optimal Blackjack strategy is surprisingly straightforward. Unlike some games, there's no agonizing over card selection. The focus is on when to hit, stand, double, or split. Detailed strategy charts are readily available online to guide your decisions and minimize the house edge.