How to Play Blackjack

At its core, blackjack is a straightforward game, but there are important rules to know before you start playing.

Objective of the Game

The primary goal in blackjack is to have a hand total that is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21. If your hand exceeds 21, you ‘bust’ and lose. 

Card Values

• Number cards (2 through 10): Worth their face value.
• Face cards (King, Queen, Jack): Each worth 10.
• Ace: Worth either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand more.

Gameplay Overview

1. Players place their bets.
2. The dealer deals one face-up card to each player and one face-up card to themselves.
3. The dealer then deals a second face-up card to each player, while keeping only one card for themselves.
4. Players take turns deciding whether to take more cards (hit) or stay with their current hand (stand).
5. After all players have either stood or gone bust, the dealer continues drawing cards until they reach a total of 17 or higher.

Dealer Rules

• The dealer must hit until their hand totals 17 or higher.
• The dealer must stand on a soft 17 (a hand including an Ace counted as 11, such as Ace-6).

Placing Your Bet

Before the cards are dealt, players must place their bets in the designated betting box. Minimum and maximum bets will vary depending on the table.

Dealing the Cards

Once all bets are placed, the dealer gives one face-up card to each player and one face-up card to themself. The dealer then deals a second face-up card to each player but does not take a second card for themself.

Player Actions

Each player must then decide how to proceed with their hand. The basic options are:

• Hit: Request another card to add to your hand.
• Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your original bet and receive only one more card.
• Split: If you’re dealt two cards of the same value (e.g., two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands and place an additional bet equal to your original wager.

Dealer’s Turn

Once all players have completed their turns and either stood or gone bust, the dealer draws additional cards. The dealer must continue drawing cards until they reach a total of 17 or higher. If the dealer exceeds 21, all remaining players win.

Blackjack (Natural 21)

If you are dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) in your first two cards, you have a blackjack. This is the best hand and pays 1.5 times your bet unless the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case it’s a stand.

Splitting Pairs

When you are dealt two cards of the same value, you can choose to split them into two hands. You must place an additional bet equal to your original wager for the second hand. You then play each hand separately.

Split Aces

If you split a pair of Aces, you receive only one additional card per Ace. If the additional card is a 10-value card, it’s counted as 21, not a blackjack, so is paid even money. Cards may be split more than once.

Doubling Down

After receiving your first two cards, you have the option to double down. This means doubling your bet and receiving only one more card. You may also ‘double down’ after ‘splitting pairs’. If you are happy with your hand, tell the dealer ‘no more cards’.

In blackjack, the goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. Here’s how the payouts work:

Winning Hand

If your hand beats the dealer’s, you are paid even money (1:1). For example, if you bet £10, you win £10.

Blackjack

If you’re dealt an Ace and a 10-value card in your first two cards, you have a blackjack, which pays 3:2. This means a £10 bet would win £15.

Stand

If your hand and the dealer’s hand have the same value, it’s a stand, and your original bet is returned.

Bust

If you bust (by going over 21), your bet is immediately lost, regardless of the dealer’s hand, and the bet is removed from the table by the dealer.

Wait Your Turn

Don’t act until the dealer signals it’s your turn.

Be Clear with Signals

Use clear hand signals with verbal confirmation, like “hit” or “stand.” Many dealers require this to avoid misinterpretation and keep the game running smoothly. Some dealers won’t accept just hand movements in an attempt to avoid disputes and game interruption.

Handle Chips Properly

Place your bet and leave your chips untouched. Once the cards are dealt, it’s important not to handle your chips until the dealer resolves the round.

Follow House Rules

Every casino has slight variations, respect the specific rules of Napoleons.

Respect the Dealer’s Decisions

The dealer follows strict guidelines, so trust their calls.