Blackjack Basics

Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in both online and on-land casinos and, as well as being fun and lucrative, it's also really easy to play. If you haven't played Blackjack

Blackjack is an exciting card game centred on basic maths and odds. The aim of the game is simple – to achieve a higher total than the dealer without going over 21. You only play against the dealer, not the other players at the table, so there's only one hand you need to beat – theirs!

Blackjack Basics

Blackjack is an exciting card game centred on basic maths and odds. The aim of the game is simple – to achieve a higher total than the dealer without going over 21. You only play against the dealer, not the other players at the table, so there's only one hand you need to beat – theirs!

The first thing you need to do is place a bet on your hand beating the dealer's. Next, everyone at the table is dealt 2 cards each. The cards have different numerical values:

  • 2-9 retain their face value
  • 10 and the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) have a value of 10
  • Ace is either 1 or 11

Add the cards together to get your total and decide whether you want to hit' (be dealt another card) or stand' (stick with the cards you've got). You can hit as many times as you like to get as close as possible to 21.

If you decide to hit and your total goes over 21 then you are bust' and you lose the hand.

Once all the players have played their hands, it's the dealers turn. If their cards total 16 or under they must draw another, if their cards total 17 or over they must stick.

Any player that is higher that the dealer, but not bust, wins!

The best way to learn is by playing, so now that you know the basics why not give Blackjack a try? Premium online casinos such as Spin Palace and The Hippodrome Online Casino offer superb online Blackjack games where you can play for free to get a feel for how the game works before you bet any real money.

FREE PLAY