What is Blackjack?
For a quick history lesson, blackjack didn’t originate in casinos.
It actually traces way back to the French game ‘Vingt-et-Un,’ meaning ’21’ if you ever skipped French at school.
Over time, it made its way to the West and, by extension, casinos worldwide – eventually becoming one of the most popular card games you’ll find today outside of poker and baccarat.
It’s quick to learn, easy to play, and offers some of the best odds you’ll ever find at a casino.
If you’re unfamiliar with the rules of blackjack, it’s basically a comparing card game played between you and the dealer. The goal is to build a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s without busting (going over 21).
Unlike many other casino games like slots or live game shows, blackjack doesn’t only come down to luck.
The decisions players get to make throughout the game have a genuine impact on the outcome and the overall house edge.
The Objective of Blackjack
The aim of blackjack is pretty standard: beat the dealer, not other players.
To do that, you’ll need to keep in mind the magic number – 21 (not related to the meme).
Players should aim to get a hand as close to 21 as possible (without going over), while also having a higher total than the dealer’s hand.
Now, you don’t have to hit 21 exactly to win (although that’s nice).
As long as your hand is stronger than the dealer’s without busting, you’ll win!
Expert Tips
Aim for a Natural
If your first two cards add up to exactly 21 – through an ace and a 10-value card – you’ll get a natural blackjack, which is the best possible hand in the game.
In terms of blackjack card values, things are pretty easy to remember:
- Number Cards (2-10): Worth their face value.
- Face Cards (Jack, King, Queen): Worth 10
- Aces: Can be worth one or 10, depending on what benefits your hand the most.
Player Decisions in Blackjack
Players can make their own decisions in blackjack, based on their hand total.
The main ones to remember are hit and stand, but splits and double downs are good to know, too.
- Hit: To ask for another card.
- Stand: To refuse any more cards.
- Double Down: Place an additional bet (double) and draw an additional card.
- Split: If a player is dealt a pair, they can split them into two separate hands.
- Surrender: Abandon the hand and recover half of the initial bet.
Key Blackjack Terms
- Natural: A two-card total of 21, aka a natural blackjack.
- Soft Hand: A hand that includes an ace valued at 11 instead of one.
- Hard Hand: A hand without an ace or where an ace must be valued as one.
- Upcard: The card that the dealer is showing face-up.
- Hole Card: The dealer’s card that’s dealt face down and not revealed until after players have acted.
How to Play Blackjack: Step-by-Step
Now that you know the basic rules, terms, and player decisions, we’ll break down how a typical round of blackjack plays out.
This should work whether you’re playing with friends, trying your hand online, or at a land-based blackjack table.
If it’s the former, hopefully this saves you from arguing and random Google searches of the rules!
Place Your Bet
Before any cards are dealt, players will need to decide how much they want to bet, using chips. Only once all players’ stakes are set will the round begin.
Cards Are Dealt
All participating players are dealt two cards, which are face up to show their value. The dealer also gets two cards, with one face up (the upcard) and one face down (the hole card).
Make a Move
Based on your hand total, you’ll choose what to do next: hit (take another card), stand (keep your current hand total), double down (double your bet and get one final card), or split (if you have two matching cards). The goal is obviously to get close to 21 without going over.
Dealer Plays Their Hands
Once all players have finished their turn, the dealer reveals their face-down card, following fixed rules: they must hit until their hand reaches 17+ and stand on 17 or above.
The Outcome is Decided
After the dealer finishes their hand, the end result is decided. If you go over 21, you bust. If the dealer goes over 21, you win. If your hand is higher than the dealer’s, you win, and you lose if theirs is higher.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
While blackjack is an easy game to pick up, playing it well is a different story entirely.
But as we said, it’s not all luck-based. There’s an element of strategy involved.
Implementing blackjack strategy gives players a chance to sway the odds in their favour, in the words of Effie Trinket, based on the decisions they make.
By following a proven approach, you can significantly reduce the house edge and give yourself the best chance of winning.
What is Basic Blackjack Strategy?
Basic blackjack strategy is a set of guidelines that tells you the best possible move to make in any given situation.
It’s based on calculated maths and probabilities, and you can find free blackjack strategy charts with a quick Google search.
Every major decision – whether to hit, stand, double down, or split – is calculated based on the dealer’s upcard.
For convenience, we’ve whipped up a really basic blackjack strategy table below – the columns represent the dealer’s upcard and the rows are the player’s total. Think of this as your free blackjack cheat sheet!
Key: H = HIT, S = STAND, DD = DOUBLE DOWN, SP = SPLIT
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Ace | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard 8 or less | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
| Hard 9 | H | DD | DD | DD | DD | H | H | H | H | H |
| Hard 10 | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | H | H |
| Hard 11 | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | H |
| Hard 12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| Hard 13–16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| Hard 17+ | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Soft 13–14 (A,2 / A,3) | H | H | H | DD | DD | H | H | H | H | H |
| Soft 15–16 (A,4 / A,5) | H | H | DD | DD | DD | H | H | H | H | H |
| Soft 17 (A,6) | H | DD | DD | DD | DD | H | H | H | H | H |
| Soft 18 (A,7) | S | DD | DD | DD | DD | S | S | H | H | H |
| Soft 19+ | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Aces (A,A) | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
| 8,8 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
| 10,10 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| 5,5 | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | DD | H | H |
| 9,9 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
| 7,7 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
| 6,6 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
| 4,4 | H | H | H | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
| 3,3 / 2,2 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
We can go into the thought process behind this blackjack strategy chart a little more below.
When to Hit or Stand
Knowing when to hit or stand is key to a successful blackjack strategy. As a general rule of thumb, only hit when your hand is low. Stand when your hand is strong and risks going over 21. Example:
- Hands of 11 or lower are safe to hit, like an eight of spades and a two of diamonds.
- Hands of 17 or higher are strong enough to stand, like a soft 18 with an ace and seven.
You should also consider the dealer’s upcard. If they’re weak with a four, five, or six showing, it’s better to play conservatively in the hopes they bust.
When to Double Down
Doubling down increases your bet when the odds are in your favour, and gives you one more card. It’s generally recommended to do this when:
- You have a total of 10 or 11.
- The dealer has a weak upcard, like a three or a four.
When to Split
If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, like two eights, you can split them into separate hands. Some splits are almost always worth it:
- Always split aces.
- Always split eights.
But you should always avoid splitting 10s, as a total of 20 is already strong enough on its own.
Expert Tips
Stick to Basic Strategy If Unsure
Don’t wing it and make mindless decisions. Using a basic strategy chart helps you make the statistically best decision for every hand, lowering the house edge.
Blackjack Odds & House Edge Explained
Part of the reason why blackjack (in any form) is so popular is because of how favourable the odds are – so long as you play correctly and make smart decisions.
It’s mostly an even-money game, rising to 2:1 if you get a natural blackjack.
Like all casino games, though, it’s designed with a house edge, meaning the casino will always have a small built-in advantage over time.
RTP & House Edge in Blackjack
In blackjack, you’ll often hear terms like RTP and house edge thrown around a lot.
- RTP: Stands for Return to Player. Like in slots, it refers to the percentage of all wagered money it’s expected to pay back over time.
- House Edge: The casino’s built-in advantage over the player.
In blackjack, the RTP can hover around 99% when players use basic strategy correctly.
This means a low house edge, sometimes as little at 0.5% if you (literally) play your cards right. Even if you play poorly, the house edge is still only around 2%.
The reason the odds are so high is down to the decision-making involved – players act before the dealer, so you can win or lose before they even play.
Basic blackjack strategy charts also reduce mistakes and improve expected returns.
While the house still has an edge (otherwise how else would they make money?), it’s one of the smallest you’ll ever find at a casino.
Common Blackjack Side Bets
Outside of your main bet to participate in the game, you can also place blackjack side bets.
These are based on chance, rather than skill, and attempt to preempt which cards you, or the dealer, may receive.
| Side Bet | Description | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Offered when the dealer shows an ace, betting that they have a blackjack | 2:1 |
| 21 + 3 | Involves the player’s first two cards and dealer’s face-up card, betting they’ll be a three-of-a-kind or a straight flush | 9:1 or higher |
| Mixed Pair | Two cards of the same value with different suits and ranks | 5:1 |
| Coloured Pair | Two cards of the same value and colour | 12:1 |
| Perfect Pair | Two of the same card | 25:1 |
Card Counting in Blackjack
Once you’ve nailed the basics and have a solid understanding of basic blackjack strategy, it’s time to bring out the big guns.
Card counting is a technique that some blackjack players will use to track the cards that have already been dealt.
This helps them estimate what could come next by tracking the ratio of high to low-value cards left in the deck using systems like Hi-Lo.
This only really works if the casino is using a standard 52-card deck, and many casinos discourage this by using multiple decks or reshuffling frequently.
Blackjack card counting typically doesn’t work at all when it comes to online blackjack games, since they often use continuously shuffling machines (CSMs) to eliminate the possibility of card counting.
Popular Blackjack Betting Systems
Managing your bankroll is important in any casino game, and in blackjack, you can maximise your wins and minimise your losses by effectively implementing bankroll management betting systems.
We won’t get too much into these, since we’ll publish a full guide on them soon, so for now, here’s a brief explanation of each blackjack betting system.
Martingale System
A negative progressive betting strategy to offset losses by doubling after each loss, leaving you with a profit equal to your original bet when you win.
Example:
Bet 1: £5 = Lose -> Bet 2: £10 = Lose -> Bet 3: £20 = Win (+£5 profit)
Paroli System
A positive progression blackjack betting strategy, doubling bets after wins rather than losses. You reset to the original amount after a series of wins to lock in profits.
Example:
Bet 1: £5 = Win -> Bet 2: £10 = Win -> Bet 3: £20 = Win -> Bet 4: £5
Oscar’s Grind
This is a mix of the two, where players increase bets slightly by one unit after a win but maintain bets after a loss for small, steady profits.
Example:
Bet 1: £5 = Lose -> Bet 2: £5 = Win -> Bet 3: £10 = Win -> Bet 4: £15 = Lose -> Bet 5: £15
Flat Betting
A simple approach where players bet the same amount each time, regardless of wins or losses. It helps to maintain bankroll control with effective budgeting.
Example:
Bet 1: £5 = Lose -> Bet 2: £5 = Lose -> Bet 3: £5 = Win (and so on)
Of course, there are many other betting strategies that can be applied to blackjack games, like the Fibonacci sequence, the 1-3-2-6 system, the D’Alembert, or Labouchere, but these are the main four we thought were worth mentioning.
Blackjack Game Types & Variations
Blackjack, especially if you’re playing online, can come in many different forms.
This ranges from the more traditional versions with the classic rules you’ll find at land-based casinos to more modern, fast-paced versions packed with added features and side bets that are usually associated with online casinos.
This sheer diversity in games caters to a wide range of players, each offering a slightly different take on the classic table game, while staying true to its roots.
Below is a quick whistlestop guide to how the variants differ from one another.
- Classic Blackjack: Follows the standard rules outlined on this page – must beat the dealer by having a hand total closest to 21.
- European Blackjack: Similar to classic, except the dealer can’t take a hole card until all players have acted.
- Spanish 21: Played with a Spanish deck of cards that doesn’t include 10s.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack: Played with four decks of cards – players can split pairs up to three times to make as many as four hands.
- Live Dealer Blackjack: Online blackjack games played with real-life hosts from a professional studio.
- Lightning Blackjack: A popular live dealer blackjack game from Evolution Gaming, with random lightning multipliers up to 25x.
- RNG Blackjack: These games are played solo against an AI dealer and rely on random number generator (RNG) systems for outcomes.
Expert Tips
Avoid Insurance Bets
No matter what type of blackjack game you’re playing, you should avoid insurance bets. Over time, it just increases the house edge rather than protecting your bankroll.
Live Blackjack vs. RNG Blackjack
Live blackjack games and RNG-based versions are both commonplace at online casinos, but what are the main differences between the two?
For starters, live blackjack involves a real dealer and other players in a live lobby, with outcomes happening in real time.
Meanwhile, RNG blackjack is a solo activity played against an AI, with RNGs running in the background to determine each outcome.
Both games offer their own benefits and drawbacks, and the version that’s better for you ultimately comes down to your own personal preferences.
Below, we’ve broken down the key pros and cons for each.
Online Blackjack
Pros
- Games are available 24/7 with HD live-streams and charismatic dealers.
- Big variety of game options, from classic blackjack to more innovative variants like Switch or Lightning.
- Social atmosphere thanks to live chat and host interaction.
- Often available to play with casino bonuses.
Cons
- Requires an internet connection.
- Harder to use strategies like card counting.
- Slightly higher stakes at 20p or 50p per round.
RNG Blackjack
Pros
- RNG ensures every outcome is random and fair.
- Fast rounds to go at your own pace.
- Low stakes options from as little as 10p.
- Classic rules and easy to understand.
Cons
- Requires an internet connection.
- Less choice in terms of games.
- Missing the social element.
FAQs About Blackjack
-
How to win at blackjack?
To win at blackjack, all you need to do is get a hand total as close to 21 as possible with your cards – without going over – and beat the dealer. -
Is blackjack and 21 the same thing?
Yes, blackjack is often called twenty-one or 21 because the aim of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without busting. -
Is online blackjack rigged?
No, online blackjack usually relies on RNG systems to make sure each outcome is completely unpredictable and, therefore, random. These are tested by independent auditors like eCOGRA to verify their fairness. -
How to deal in blackjack?
As a dealer, you deal every player one face-up card, as well as one for yourself. This is followed by a second face-up card for all players, plus one face-down card to yourself. After that, go around each player from left to right, letting players hit, stand, split, or double down, moving on if they stand or bust. -
What is the insurance bet in blackjack?
Insurance in blackjack is a side bet that players can make when the dealer’s upcard is an ace, paying 2:1 if the dealer gets a natural blackjack. -
What are side bets in blackjack?
Side bets are additional wagers you make outside the main blackjack bet. These include the insurance bet, perfect pairs, 21 + 3, mixed pairs, or 777. -
What does double down mean in blackjack?
This is a decision players can make to double their original bet and take one final card to add to their hand total. -
What does “hit” mean in blackjack?
To hit in blackjack is to simply take another card to improve your hand. This is one of the core game “mechanics” or decisions players can make. -
How much is an ace in blackjack?
An ace in blackjack can be worth either one or 11, depending on which value benefits your hand total the most. -
Is blackjack luck or skill?
Blackjack is a combination of the two, as your strategy can play a significant role in winning.
Final Thoughts on Blackjack
Whether you prefer playing online from the comfort of home or enjoy the social vibe of a physical blackjack table, there’s no doubt that this is one of the most popular casino games in the world.
Whether you’re completely new to blackjack or looking to step up your game with side bets or advanced strategies, the key is to play smart, stay consistent, and avoid tilt when the cards don’t work your way.
As with any casino game, it’s important to remember that blackjack should always be played responsibly. Yes, the odds are favourable, but you should still set yourself strict limits and stick to them.
If you feel like gambling is becoming a concern, help and support are available through GambleAware, GamCare, and Gambling Therapy. Our Responsible Gambling page also offers additional resources.
Where To Go Next?
Fruity Slots caters for all types of casino players. Outside of this blackjack strategy guide, we’ve cover anything and everything in the iGaming scene.
If you want quicker access to your winnings, take a look at our guide to fast withdrawal casinos and see which UK sites actually pay without the wait.
If you want low budget options, our low minimum deposit sites guide breaks down where you can play for the same cost as a McDonald’s Happy Meal.
If you want a break from the blackjack tables, you may want to check out our guide to slots sites, which each offer over 1,000 slots from a range of providers.
If you prefer playing on the move – including blackjack games – our casino apps guide covers all the best-performing mobile apps for this month.
