Blackjack Rules - A Step by Step Guide
When learning how to play blackjack, game newbies often think the aim of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. That’s not quite true; the real aim of the game is to beat the dealer without going bust. It’s a small distinction, but one that might shape how you play:
Key Blackjack Terms You Need To Know
- Bust
This is when a hand goes over 21 and consequently loses
- Capping a Bet
A type of cheating that involves increasing an existing bet that’s very likely to win before it’s paid out
- Cut
To cut the cards is to split them after they have been shuffled
- Double Down
Double one’s bet in exchange for a single additional card
- Double for Less
To take the action of doubling down for less than your initial bet
- Double or Nothing
Another term used to describe doubling down
- Down Card
Also known as a hole card, dealt face down
- First Base
The seat immediately to the left of the dealer, which receives cards first
- Five Card Charlie
A hand that’s made up of five cards without busting, often triggering a bonus or automatic win
- Heads Up
When only a single gambler plays against the dealer
- Hit
Adding another card to your hand
- Hole Card
The dealer’s face down card
- Insurance
Offered if the dealer has a face up Ace and pays out if they have natural blackjack
- Natural
A hand which totals 21 in the first two cards dealt
- Pat
A player is said to “stand pat” if their hand is at least 17
- Push
When a player and the dealer have the same hand value, resulting in the player’s bet being returned to them
- Soft Hand
A hand containing an Ace that is counted as an 11 but can also act as a 1 if needed
- Split Hand
When a hand containing two cards of the same rank is split and played as two hands
- Surrender
Abandoning a hand and recovering half of your initial bet
- Third Base
The seat to the right of the dealer, which receives cards last
Tips from Our Blackjack Experts
An understanding of basic strategy is just the beginning when it comes to playing blackjack online. The choices you make while playing have a big impact on the game, so we’ve listed our top six tips to help you get started.
Playing Different Blackjack Variations
Although the aim of the game - get close to or reach 21 without going over in order to beat the dealer - remains the same, there are several blackjack variants you can try:
Play Blackjack Online
Although blackjack rules are straightforward, the game is often described as deceptively simple. The ‘secret’ of how to play blackjack online successfully, is balancing basic strategy with gut instincts - and a good dose of luck.
Armed with our blackjack betting tips, it’s up to you to hit the tables and develop your own unique blackjack strategy. If one variant of the game isn’t working for you, remember that there are plenty of others to try!