What is Blackjack?
Blackjack also known as 21 is a popular casino card game played against the dealer. The objective is to draw cards with a value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. The game is played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards and the cards are valued as follows Aces can count as 1 or 11 face cards (Kings Queens and Jacks) are worth 10 and all other cards are worth their numerical value.
Why is Blackjack Called 21?
Blackjack is called 21 because the ultimate goal is to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. The name “Blackjack” itself refers to a hand containing an Ace and a card with a value of 10 (e.g. King Queen Jack or 10) which is an automatic winning hand also known as a “natural” or “blackjack.”
How to Play Blackjack?
- The game begins with each player placing a bet.
- The dealer deals two cards to each player and themselves with one card face-up and one card face-down.
- Players can choose to “hit” (take another card) “stand” (keep their current hand) “double down” (double their bet and receive one more card) “split” (if they have two cards of the same value they can split them into two separate hands) or take other actions based on the game rules.
- The goal is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting a higher card total value closer to 21 without exceeding it.
- If a player’s hand exceeds 21 (“busts”) they automatically lose.
- If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand they win. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 the player loses.
- If both the player and the dealer have the same hand value it’s a “push” and the player’s bet is returned.
10 Blackjack Words You Should Know
Basic Game Words
Blackjack
A two-card hand consisting of an Ace and a 10-value card (King Queen Jack or 10) which is an automatic winning hand.
Soft Hand
A hand containing an Ace that can be counted as 1 or 11 giving the player more flexibility in drawing additional cards without busting.
Hard Hand
A hand without an Ace or an Ace that must be counted as 1 leaving less room for additional cards without busting.
Insurance
A side bet offered to players when the dealer’s up-card is an Ace protecting against a potential dealer’s blackjack.
Bust or Broke
Going over 21 resulting in an automatic loss of the hand.
Blackjack Signal
Hit
Taking an additional card from the dealer in an attempt to get closer to 21.
Stand
Keeping your current hand and ending your turn satisfied with your hand value.
Double Down
Doubling your initial bet in exchange for one additional card typically done when the player has a favorable hand.
Split
Splitting a pair of cards into two separate hands with an additional bet required for the second hand.
Surrender
Some games allow players to forfeit half their bet and exit the hand typically done when the player has an unfavorable hand.
Blackjack Secrets No One Tells You
Everyone Can Win Blackjack by Calculating Cards
False. While card counting can give players an advantage in blackjack it is a complex skill that requires significant practice and discipline. Additionally many casinos have measures in place to detect and discourage card counting. Winning at blackjack consistently is challenging even for skilled card counters.
Sitting in the Last Seat Will Increase the Chance of Losing
False. The seat position in blackjack does not directly affect the chances of winning or losing. The dealer follows a predetermined set of rules and deals the cards in a specific order regardless of where players are seated. However some players believe that being the last to act can provide a slight advantage in certain situations.
FAQ
No it’s impossible to win every hand in blackjack. The game involves luck and probability and even with perfect strategy there will be times when the dealer gets a better hand than the player.
According to basic blackjack strategy it’s better to hit on 16 when the dealer’s upcard is 7. The reason is that the dealer has a higher probability of making a good hand (17 or higher) with a 7 upcard so it’s better for the player to try and improve their hand by hitting.
The house edge in blackjack can vary depending on the specific rules and number of decks used but it typically ranges from around 0.5% to 1.5% when using optimal strategy. This means that for every $100 bet the casino can expect to win between $0.50 and $1.50 on average.
No you cannot split 10-value cards (10 Jack Queen King) in blackjack. The rules only allow splitting pairs of cards with the same numerical value such as two 5s or two Aces.
It’s generally not recommended to take insurance in blackjack. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack but it has a high house edge of around 7%. Over the long run it’s better to decline insurance and focus on playing your hand optimally.
