How to Play Blackjack: A Step-by-Step Guide

Blackjack is a thrilling game of strategy where players aim to get as close to 21 as possible without busting. Each round starts with placing bets, followed by the dealer dealing two cards to each player. You can hit for another card, stand to keep your hand, double down to increase your bet with one more card, or split if you have a pair. Understanding basic strategy, reading the dealer’s upcard, and managing your bets wisely can make a big difference—so play smart and enjoy the game!

Alright, let’s begin. You’re sitting at a blackjack table, trembling with excitement. The dealer has already dealt the cards, and now it’s your turn. Here’s everything you’ll need to play the game like a pro—nearly a pro, at least. Maybe you’ll make a mistake or two, but that’s half the fun! 

Where to Sit at the Table 

There will be space for up to seven players at the blackjack table, so sit wherever you feel at ease. Don’t concern yourself so much with what seat to take—really, it’s just about comfort. 

• Quick tip: As a beginner in the game, don’t sit too close to the dealer. It’s just a little too intense when you’re still in the learning stage. Sit in a position where you can relax and take your time thinking of what you’ll do. 

• Table Etiquette: Do not sit down in the middle of a game if you do not see an empty seat. If the table is filled, wait for a chair or sit at a less crowded table. 

Placing Your Bet 

• Before Dealing of Cards: The dealer will not start until all bets are in. Just put your chips in the betting box, making sure it’s under the table limit. The dealer will wait for everyone to be ready. 

• Betting Limits: There is a minimum and maximum bet on each table. Don’t worry too much about the numbers; just glance at the sign and bet within the limit. 

• Once Cards Are Dealt: You cannot change your bet after the cards are dealt. So, be content with what you’ve put in before the dealer starts dealing. 

The Deal: Getting to Know the Cards 

The dealer gives you and the remaining players at the table two cards, face up. The dealer takes two cards as well, one face-up (the “upcard”) and one face-down (the “hole card”). 

Card Values:  

• 2-10 Cards: Their value is whatever the number is—no surprise there. 

• Jack, Queen, King: All 10 points. Don’t forget these three; they’re the easy ones. 

• Ace: And here we have the tricky one. An Ace may be 1 or 11, whichever you need for your hand. It’s like that adaptable friend who can help you out when things get tough. 

• Objective: You’re attempting to get your hand as close to 21 as possible without going over. The best hand is an Ace and a 10-value card (Jack, Queen, King, or 10). If you are actually dealt this hand, it’s a “Blackjack,” and you win. 

Playing Your Hand 

Alright, the cards are on the table. Now you must make some decisions. 

• Hit: If you’d prefer another card, just say “Hit.” The dealer will give you another card. Just don’t go too much, or you’ll bust and lose the hand. 

• Stand: If you’re satisfied with what you have and don’t want another card, tell the dealer “Stand.” You’re keeping what you’ve got. 

• Double Down: It is a very risky move. If you feel that your initial two cards are fine, you can double down. You will get only one more card, though. It is an excellent option if you’re on a winning streak. 

• Split: When you get two identical cards (two 8s, for instance), you can split them into two separate hands. You will double your initial bet on the second hand. Both hands are then dealt a new card, and you play the hands separately. It’s a good play when you have two Aces or 8s. 

• Surrender: A few casinos offer you the ability to surrender if you feel your hand is a lost cause. You forfeit half of your bet and move on with your day. It’s insurance, but you can only use it in round one. 

What to Say at the Table 

The following are what you say during the game: 

• “Hit”: You want another card. 

• “Stand”: You like your hand, and you don’t want an extra card. 

• “Double Down”: You’re doubling the bet and taking one more card exactly. 

• “Split”: You have been dealt two of the same type, and you want to split them into two hands. 

• “Surrender”: You’re surrendering half of your bet because you don’t think you’ll win. 

The Dealer’s Turn 

When you and the other players are done, then it’s the dealer’s turn. The dealer will flip their hole card face-up and then play according to predetermined rules: 

• Dealer Hits: The dealer is required to draw if they have a hand of less than 17. 

• Dealer Stands: The dealer is required to stand with 17 and more in their hand. 

If the dealer busts (goes over 21), then all players still in the game win. Otherwise, the dealer’s hand is compared with each player’s hand, and whichever is closer to 21 wins. 

Winning and Losing 

• Winning: You win if your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s. If you are dealt 21 in your first two cards (a Blackjack), you win 1.5 times your bet. 

• Losing: When your hand totals 21, you bust and lose your bet. You also lose if the dealer’s hand is greater. 

• Push: When your hand and the dealer’s hand have the same value, it is a push. Neither of you loses or gains, and your bet is returned. 

Blackjack Etiquette 

• Be Courteous: Be respectful to the dealer and the other players. The casino is not there to get in your way, so be respectful to those individuals surrounding you. 

• Chip Handling: Put your chips on the table. You cannot touch your cards in live blackjack—don’t even try to move them around. 

• Adding Chips: To add extra chips, put them on the table in view before the round starts. Do not touch your stack after the cards are dealt. 

Understanding House Rules 

• Dealer’s Soft 17 Rule: At certain casinos, the dealer must draw on a “soft 17” (a hand with an Ace and a 6, such as Ace-6). This will alter your play of your hand, so check the rules first. 

• Blackjack Payouts: A Blackjack typically pays 3:2, which means you win 1.5 times the bet. If the dealer does manage to get a Blackjack, though, it’s a push, and the bet is refunded. 

Common Questions

1. Can I touch my cards in a live blackjack game?

In most traditional casino blackjack games, you are not allowed to touch your cards. This helps maintain the integrity of the game. Always follow the dealer’s instructions on how to handle cards.

2. What does “soft” mean in blackjack?

A “soft” hand contains an Ace counted as 11. For example, Ace-6 (soft 17) is different from a hard 17 (like 10-7) because the Ace can switch between 1 or 11. This flexibility affects how you might choose to hit or stand.

3. Should I take insurance when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace?

Generally, most experts advise against taking insurance because it’s statistically unfavorable in the long run. However, it can sometimes be useful if you’re counting cards or have other strategic information—though this is more advanced play.

4. Is card counting illegal?

Card counting is not illegal, but casinos reserve the right to remove you from the table or even ban you if they suspect you’re doing it. It’s a skill, but one that isn’t welcomed by most casinos.

5. Can I join a blackjack table in the middle of a round?

It’s considered poor etiquette to sit down right in the middle of a round if there isn’t an empty seat. Wait for the current round to finish before taking a seat. If all seats are taken, you should wait or find another table.

6. Why does the dealer have to draw to 16 and stand on 17?

These are standard house rules to keep the game consistent. The dealer isn’t making strategic choices; they have a fixed protocol they must follow, which also helps ensure fairness and transparency.

7. What’s the difference between splitting pairs and doubling down?

• Splitting applies when you have two cards of the same rank. You turn them into two separate hands and place an additional bet of the same amount on the second hand.
• Doubling down typically applies when you feel confident about your hand. You double your original bet, receive exactly one more card, and then must stand.

8. What happens if I exceed 21 while hitting?

If your total goes over 21 at any point after asking for a hit, you “bust” and automatically lose that hand, regardless of what the dealer ends up with.