Complete Blackjack Guide
Blackjack
The highest RTP of any casino table game — when played correctly. Beat the dealer to 21 without going bust, and use basic strategy to cut the house edge to under 0.5%.
Step by Step
How to Play Blackjack
The goal is simple: get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Here's how a round plays out:
Place Your Bet
Before any cards are dealt, place your chips in the betting circle. Minimum and maximum bets vary by table.
Cards Are Dealt
You and the dealer each receive two cards. Your cards are face up. The dealer has one card face up (the upcard) and one face down (the hole card).
Choose Your Action
Based on your hand and the dealer's upcard, you choose to Hit (take a card), Stand (keep your hand), Double Down, Split pairs, or Surrender if available.
Dealer Plays
Once all players have acted, the dealer reveals the hole card. The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more — no choices involved.
Settle the Round
If your hand beats the dealer without busting, you win even money. A natural Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) typically pays 3:2. Ties (pushes) return your bet.
Card Values
Your Choices
Player Actions Explained
Take another card from the dealer. You can hit as many times as you like until you stand or bust (go over 21).
Keep your current hand and end your turn. The dealer then plays their hand.
Double your original bet and receive exactly one more card. Best used on totals of 9, 10, or 11 against a weak dealer upcard.
If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Always split Aces and 8s.
Forfeit half your bet and end the hand immediately. Only available on the first two cards. Best used when you have 15 or 16 against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace.
Know Your Odds
RTP & House Edge
Blackjack's house edge depends almost entirely on how you play. Basic strategy reduces it to around 0.5%. Poor decisions can push it above 4%.
With Basic Strategy
The gold standard. Learn basic strategy and you're playing near-perfect Blackjack.
Average Casual Player
Most players give back 2–3% through suboptimal decisions.
Without Strategy
Guessing or playing by feel dramatically increases the house edge.
Pro Tip: A 3:2 Blackjack payout is standard and correct. Avoid tables that pay 6:5 on Blackjack — that single rule change adds over 1.3% to the house edge.
Play Smarter
Basic Strategy — Your Most Important Tool
Basic strategy is a mathematically proven set of decisions for every possible hand combination. It tells you exactly when to Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, or Surrender. Memorise it and you'll be playing near-perfect Blackjack.
Advanced Knowledge
Card Counting — An Overview
Card counting is a legal technique used to track the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck. When the deck is rich in high cards (10s and Aces), the player has an advantage. Here's a simple overview of the Hi-Lo system:
Low cards favour the dealer — count goes up
Neutral — no change to the count
High cards favour the player — count goes down
How it works: A high positive running count means more high cards remain — increase your bet. Card counting is not illegal but casinos can ask you to leave if they suspect it. It requires significant practice to use effectively.
Card counting is not a guaranteed winning system and is extremely difficult to master. This overview is for educational purposes only.
Learn from Others
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never hitting a soft 18 against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace
A soft 18 is not as strong as it looks. Hit or double — don't assume 18 is safe.
Standing on 16 against a dealer 7 or higher
Basic strategy says hit. Yes, you might bust — but the dealer is more likely to beat your 16.
Not splitting Aces and 8s
These are the two pairs you always split, no exceptions. Two Aces gives two shots at 21. Two 8s turns a terrible 16 into two playable hands.
Splitting 10s
20 is one of the best hands in the game. Never break it up — not even against a dealer 5 or 6.
Taking Insurance
Insurance is a side bet with a high house edge (around 7%). Basic strategy players should always decline it.
Playing at a 6:5 Blackjack table
Always look for 3:2 payouts on Blackjack. The 6:5 rule is a significant disadvantage that wipes out most of your strategic edge.
Before You Play
Quick Tips for New Players
Always use a basic strategy card — most casinos allow them at the table.
Only play at tables that pay 3:2 for a natural Blackjack.
Set a session budget and stick to it — even when you're on a winning streak.
Ignore other players' hands — your only opponent is the dealer.
Never take Insurance — it's a losing bet in the long run.
Ready to Explore More Games?
Baccarat has one of the lowest house edges in the casino and is incredibly simple to play. A great next step.