If you are sure you will lose your hand, you may choose to surrender.

“Surrender”: With a surrender, players are allowed to risk only half of the amount they’ve bet.

The house edge is significant, however - it’s more likely that the dealer will not get blackjack - so taking insurance is a risky move. Insurance bets usually offer even money (1:1) in return. This is a side bet you can choose to take (or not) as to whether the dealer will get blackjack or not.

“Insurance”: If the dealer has an ace, they can offer insurance.

When you split, your wager will also be doubled! The dealer then gives you a second card for each new hand, and the game continues. When you split such a hand, you divide these cards into two distinct hands. “ Split”: This is a tactic you’d take if you have a pair of two cards worth 10 points each.

“Double” or “Double Down”: When you double down on your bet, you can only get one more card from the dealer and your wager will be doubled.

You can hit multiple times in a single game.

“Hit”: When you request a hit, the dealer gives you another card.

You might do this further into the game when you’re getting close to 21.

“Stand”: When you stand with your cards, nothing happens.

You can then take any of the following actions: One of the dealer’s cards is face up and the other is face down (the “hole card”). If the dealer busts, their hand adds up to more than 21.Īfter the players place their bets, the dealer distributes two cards to each player and two cards to themselves. If you “bust,” your hand adds up to more than 21. A “blackjack” refers to a perfect score of 21 and includes one ace and one 10-point card. So, what’s the goal? You want to beat the dealer by getting a hand that is higher than theirs without going over 21.

10, Jack, Queen, and King = 10 points each.

2 through 9 = their face value (a 2 equals two points).

Your hand is calculated based on the sum of cards.

Regardless of the number of decks used, every card has a set point value. The more decks used, the tougher it is for players to use strategies like card counting. This guide provides a basic introduction to the game, hit and payout charts, and valuable information to improve your competitive edge when playing blackjack.īlackjack is played with multiple 52-card decks. While Lady Luck does play a role, there are steps you can take to improve your odds of winning. If you're new to blackjack, it might seem like this card game is all about chance.

Blackjack hit table