Blackjack is a popular casino game, and while it might be seen as old school by some, most players will find a version that gives them the right vibe. First step to getting started though, is knowing the blackjack rules.
This guide will give you 411 on how to play, and all the tea on the different types available at casinos. That way you can decide if you want video or live options, and get started when you are ready. More importantly, you'll also get the inside track on finding the right place to play.
Blackjack rules pros and cons
Pros and Cons
- Traditional game
- Easy to learn
- Plenty of variations available
How to play blackjack online
The rules of blackjack are pretty straightforward, but there are some basics to cover first. Our guide will take you through all the rules and options so you come out the other side ready to start playing one of the
best casino games
whenever and wherever state restrictions will allow. Blackjack is a popular OG casino game, partly because it’s so simple and doesn't require learning an entire rulebook just to get started, but you can’t dive straight in - so here’s how it works:
🎲 How to win at blackjack
The objective is simple, get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over 21, and that’s it. You’re not playing against other players, it’s you against the dealer, and they’re the only one you have to beat. Every player gets two cards, and the dealer gets two cards as well, but at this stage you can only see one of them. There are several ways to win:
- Your hand total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21.
- The dealer ‘busts’ by going over 21.
- You are dealt a blackjack.
You lose if:
- Your hand goes over 21 and you ‘bust’.
- The dealer finishes with a higher total than your hand.
If both you and the dealer have the same total, typically your original bet is returned.
🃏 Knowing the card values is key
There are plenty of ways of getting 21, or at least close to it, and to play the games, you’ll need to know the card values. Again, this is pretty straightforward:
- Regular cards from 2 up to 10 are worth their face value.
- Picture cards, like kings, queens, and jacks are each worth 10.
- Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on what is best for your hand. For example an ace and an 8 can count as either 9 or 19.
‘Blackjack’ occurs when your first two cards add up to exactly 21. Typically this will be an ace and a picture card or a 10, although there are more ways of scoring 21. To give you the lowdown on that, we’ll take you through a hand, step by step.
♠️ How to play blackjack - step by step
Here’s how a typical blackjack hand could be played:
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Log in - Go to your casino of choice, or pick one from the banners on this page - remembering to claim any welcome bonuses if available.
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Choose your games - Decide on video or live dealer blackjack and select your game.
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Place your bet - Before the deal takes place, choose how much to wager.
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The deal - the dealer gives each player two cards face up, and also deals themselves two cards, but only one face up.
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Hit or stand - depending on your total, you decide whether to hit or stand. If you have a low total and hit, you can be dealt another card to improve your hand but also risk going bust. Standing means you settle for the total in front of you.
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The dealer turns their 2nd card over, and then has their choice to hit or stand to better your score. If they do, you lose, if they bust you win.
If you hit, you’ll get dealt another card. This usually happens if your first two cards add up to a low total of 12 or less, which the dealer should find easier to beat. Your new card is added to your total, and you can choose to hit again or stand. If the hand totals more than 21 you instantly lose.
To “stand” means to keep your current hand and end your turn. This typically happens when your first two cards are much closer 21, and the dealer has to risk busting to beat the total. Standing on a lower total ensures you won’t bust, but at the same time you are depending on the dealer busting trying to beat the total of one of the other players.
As well as hitting or standing, most games will give you the chance to double down or split. Splitting happens when your first two cards have the same value and you decide to play them as two separate hands. The dealer adds a second card to each and you can hit or stand with the aim of each hand beating the dealer.
What type of blackjack is best for you
Now you know the basic rules of blackjack, it’s about finding the
best blackjack games
that fit your playing style and the type of experience you want. There are dozens of different version of the games you can play with minor variations to the rules, but they fall into two different types:
Video or RNG blackjack
These games will typically be found in the table games section of the casino, and the outcome is decided by a random number generator. Some can be played in demo mode so you can practice, but of course any games you win here are not for real money. This is quite a good starting place for newbies as it gives you the chance to try out different tactics and see if you are the type of player who likes to split, double down or play it safe.
Live dealer blackjack
Here you are playing against a live dealer over a video feed. This is seen as a more authentic experience as the deal is ‘real’ and is preferred by more experienced players who are confident of their playing style and tactics. As this is a live experience, not all games will be available all the time, and can have short delays while the card shoes are exchanged after a period of time. Also, you can’t play these in demo mode, so you need to go in here fully aware of the rules and knowing what you want to do.
| Video or RNG Blackjack |
Live Dealer Blackjack |
| Outcome is decided by a random number generator |
Play against a live dealer over a video feed |
| Demo mode available |
No demo mode |
| Can be played to practice your skills |
Make sure you’re aware of the rules as this is a live experience |
Finding the right place to play
The last step is finding the right place to play. Depending on your state, the number of options will vary, and we have listed the best available in the banners around this page. Ideally you are looking for a platform that has plenty of variations for both video and live options, so you can see which works best for you. You can find full reviews for each of these platforms elsewhere on this site, or you can take a look for yourself whenever you are ready.
Conclusion - find the best place to play once you know the blackjack rules
Blackjack is easy to play and still gives OG vibes to players who are new to online casinos. You can pick up how to play in minutes, but that’s just the start and this guide has shown you all of the basics so you can build your game and choose the best version for you. You need to pick between RNG and live blackjack, then hit the different variations so you find your favorite type. The best way to do this is to find a reliable place to play with a good games roster, and you’ll see our recommended casinos for where you are listed in the banners on this page. If any catch your eye, you can take a closer look with just a single click.
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Blackjack rules FAQs
🤔 Is blackjack hard to play?
Blackjack is easy to pick up as the premise is very simple. You need to get as close to 21 as possible, and higher than the dealer without busting. You can draw more cards if you want, or stand if you are happy with the total of your cards.
🎲 Is live dealer blackjack better than the video version?
There are plenty of variations available and it will depend on what type of game you want to play. If you like faster games and the chance to play in demo mode, then RNG video blackjack might be for you. If you prefer a more social, authentic experience then the live dealer version is more likely to be your vibe.
💻 Can you play blackjack for free at online casinos?
Most casinos will have RNG video blackjack available, which you can play in demo mode. This can be useful for newbies who want to practice their game before risking any of their balance.
