Blackjack Guide

Master the game of 21 with basic strategy, card counting tips, and expert advice

✓ 99.5% RTP

✓ Best Casino Odds

✓ Skill-Based Game

How to Play Blackjack

Objective

Get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over (busting)

Card Values

Number cards = face value, Face cards = 10, Ace = 1 or 11

Blackjack

21 with first two cards (Ace + 10-value) pays 3:2

Dealer Rules

Dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17 (soft 17 rules vary)

Player Options

Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split pairs, Surrender (if allowed)

Card Values

Ace

1 or 11

Flexible value depending on hand total

King, Queen, Jack

All face cards worth 10 points

2-10

Face value

Cards worth their printed number

Basic Strategy Chart

📊 About Basic Strategy

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to as low as 0.28%, making blackjack one of the best casino games for players.

Hard 17-21

High risk of busting, let dealer play

Stand

Hard 12-16

Depends on dealer's up card strength

Hit vs 7-A, Stand vs 2-6

Hard 11

Great chance to make 21 with any 10-value card

Double if possible, otherwise Hit

Hard 10

Strong doubling opportunity against weak dealer cards

Double vs 2-9, Hit vs 10/A

Soft 18 (A,7)

Flexible hand that can improve without busting

Double vs 3-6, Stand vs 2,7,8, Hit vs 9,10,A

Soft 17 (A,6)

Weak soft hand that needs improvement

Double vs 3-6, otherwise Hit

Pairs of Aces/8s

Creates two strong starting hands

Always Split

Pairs of 10s

20 is too strong to break up

Never Split

Blackjack Variants

Classic Blackjack

Traditional blackjack with standard rules

House Edge: 0.28%

Standard rules

3:2 blackjack payout

Double after split

Surrender allowed

European Blackjack

Dealer doesn't take hole card until after player actions

House Edge: 0.39%

No hole card

Double on 9-11 only

Split once only

No surrender

Perfect Pairs

Side bet based on your first two cards being a pair

House Edge: 5.79%

Side bet option

Pair payouts

Mixed/colored/perfect pairs

High volatility

21+3

Side bet combining your cards with dealer's up card

House Edge: 3.24%

Poker-style side bet

Flush/straight/trips

3-card combinations

Bonus payouts

Advanced Blackjack Tips

Card Counting Basics

Keep track of high vs low cards played to gain an edge. When more high cards remain, increase your bets. This is legal but casinos may ask you to leave.

Advanced Strategy

Bankroll Management

Never bet more than 5% of your bankroll on a single hand. Set win/loss limits and stick to them. Even with perfect strategy, variance can be significant.

Essential Skill

Table Selection

Look for tables with favorable rules: 3:2 blackjack payouts, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, and surrender permitted.

Smart Play

Avoid Insurance

Insurance is a side bet with a high house edge (7.4%). Even when you have blackjack, insurance is not mathematically profitable in the long run.

Important Rule

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