Blackjack

Blackjack is the most popular casino table game, widely available at nearly all online casinos. Its appeal lies in its low house edge and manageable variance, making it a top choice for players looking to meet wagering requirements when using bonuses, provided it's allowed under the terms.

Rules and Play

In Blackjack, hands are scored based on the sum of their card values. For example, a hand with a 4, 5, and 6 totals 15. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) each count as 10, while Aces can be valued as either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand more. For instance, an Ace and a 7 can be counted as either 8 or 18.

The goal is to achieve a hand total higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21. Going over 21 results in a "bust," and the player automatically loses their bet, regardless of the dealer’s hand. A two-card hand totaling 21—specifically an Ace and a 10-value card—is called a "blackjack" and is the best possible hand. Blackjacks typically pay out at 3:2, while other winning hands pay even money (1:1).

After placing a bet, both the player and the dealer receive two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is face up and visible to the player. Under standard rules, if the dealer shows an Ace or a 10-value card, they will check ("peek") for a potential blackjack. If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, players are offered the option to purchase "insurance," a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has a 10-value card in the hole, completing a blackjack.

The insurance bet carries a high house edge—typically between 2% and 15%, depending on the number of decks and cards already dealt—making it a poor choice for most players. It should generally be avoided unless in specific situations, such as when card counting indicates a deck rich in 10s or in multi-hand games with few 10s drawn. For more details, refer to the [ttpp] insurance exceptions page [yyxx].

If the dealer has a blackjack, the hand ends immediately—unless the player also has a blackjack, resulting in a push. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, the player proceeds with their hand. Available actions include:

• Stand: Keep the current hand and end the turn.
• Hit: Draw an additional card. The player may continue hitting until they decide to stand or bust.
• Double: Double the initial bet and receive exactly one more card. This option is only available on the first two cards, and no further hits are allowed after doubling.
• Split: If the two initial cards have the same value, the player can split them into two separate hands. The bet is doubled, with one bet per hand. Each hand receives an additional card, forming two new two-card hands. When splitting Aces, only one card is dealt to each hand, and no further action is allowed. For all other pairs, players may hit, stand, or double on each split hand. Some rules allow for re-splitting if another pair is drawn.

Strategy

Optimal strategy in Blackjack is well-defined and can significantly reduce the house edge. Unlike games with complex decision trees, Blackjack strategy is based on mathematical probabilities and depends on the player’s hand and the dealer’s visible card.

Following a basic strategy chart—available for single-deck, double-deck, and multi-deck games—guides players on when to hit, stand, double, or split. Adhering to this strategy minimizes losses and maximizes long-term returns.

While the game may seem intricate at first, mastering basic strategy is straightforward with practice. For players seeking the best odds, Blackjack remains one of the most favorable table games in the casino.