How to play blackjack: rules, moves and basic strategy
Blackjack is quick to learn and, played well, gives you some of the best odds in the casino. This guide covers everything you need for your first hand, then shows you how to practise for free.
The aim of the game
You play against the dealer, not the other players. The aim is to finish with a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. Go over 21 and you “bust” and lose, whatever the dealer has.
Card values
| Cards | Value |
|---|---|
| 2 to 10 | Face value |
| Jack, queen, king | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11, whichever helps you |
A hand with an ace counted as 11 is called a “soft” hand, for example ace and 6 is soft 17. You can’t bust a soft hand by taking one more card.
Blackjack and payouts
An ace and any ten-value card as your first two cards is a blackjack. It beats any other 21 and usually pays 3 to 2: a £10 bet wins £15.
Some tables pay only 6 to 5 for a blackjack, so a £10 bet wins £12. That small change increases the house edge noticeably, so choose 3 to 2 tables where you can. Ordinary winning hands pay 1 to 1.
Your options on each hand
- Hit: take another card.
- Stand: keep your current total.
- Double down: double your stake and receive exactly one more card.
- Split: if your first two cards are a pair, split them into two hands with a second stake.
- Insurance: offered when the dealer shows an ace. It’s a side bet on the dealer having blackjack and is usually poor value.
How the dealer plays
The dealer has no choices. They draw cards until they reach 17 or more, then stand. Some tables make the dealer hit on soft 17; the table’s rules will say. If the dealer busts, every player still in the hand wins.
Basic strategy and the house edge
Basic strategy is a chart showing the mathematically best move for every combination of your hand and the dealer’s up-card. Following it closely brings the house edge down to roughly 0.3% to 0.6%, depending on the table rules. Playing on hunches typically costs several times more.
Basic strategy reduces the edge but doesn’t remove it. Over time, the casino still comes out ahead. See our house edge guide for how blackjack compares with other games.
Practise for free
Our free blackjack game uses the same rules as the real thing, with no sign-up and no money. Set a budget before you play for real, and stick to it.
How to play blackjack FAQs
What is the goal in blackjack?
To finish with a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over.
How much does blackjack pay?
A blackjack (ace plus a ten-value card) usually pays 3 to 2. Other winning hands pay 1 to 1. Avoid tables that pay 6 to 5 for blackjack.
What is the house edge in blackjack?
Around 0.3% to 0.6% with perfect basic strategy, depending on the rules. It’s higher if you play by instinct.
Should I take insurance?
Generally no. Insurance is a side bet that favours the casino unless you’re counting cards.
Does the stake limit apply to blackjack?
No. The £5 and £2 online limits apply to slots only.
Related guides
Free blackjackPractise with no sign-up and no money.Casino house edgeWhich games give you the best odds.How to play rouletteBets, payouts and the house edge.
Live casino explainedReal dealers, real tables, what to know.18+. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. Please gamble responsibly. For free, confidential support visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.