How to Play Blackjack – The Ultimate Guide to Beating the Dealer
Blackjack, also known as "21," is king at online casinos, drawing millions for its blend of strategy, fast-paced action, and some of the best odds. Unlike slots, where the outcome is purely random, blackjack gives you the power to make decisions that can shift the odds in your favour.
The goal is simple: beat the dealer without going over 21. But there’s more to it than just hitting or standing—you need to understand when to double down, when to split, and when to walk away.
We are teaching you step by step how to play blackjack, explaining all the online blackjack rules and even leaving you with some strategies to make you play like a pro.
Understanding the Basic Rules of Blackjack
The objective of Blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value higher than the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. This is achieved by combining the values of the cards in your hand, with the aim of getting a total that is higher than the dealer’s hand.
It’s you against the dealer, not against other players. The game begins with you and the dealer each receiving two cards. You can see both of your cards, but only one of the dealer’s cards is visible.
The rules are fairly straightforward.
Card Values
Each card in blackjack has a specific value:
- Number cards (2-10): Face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): Always worth 10.
- Ace: Can be worth 1 or 11, depending on what benefits your hand the most.
A Blackjack
A ten-value card, when dealt alongside an Ace, results in a winning hand known as Blackjack, which carries specific payout rules that are crucial for players to understand.
Hard and Soft Hands
- A "hard" hand is when you don't have an Ace or when the Ace is counted as 1 to avoid busting.
- A "soft" hand is when you have an Ace that can be counted as 11 without going over 21. For example, an Ace and a 6 would be a "soft 17" because it can be either 7 or 17.
Gameplay Structure
Each round of blackjack follows a structured sequence, and understanding the flow of gameplay is crucial to making strategic decisions. The game progresses as follows:
- Betting Phase - Players place their wagers before any cards are dealt. Most casinos follow similar procedures for placing bets and dealing cards.
- Dealing Cards - The dealer gives two cards to each player and themselves, with one dealer card face-up.
- Player Decisions - Each player chooses to Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, or Surrender based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard.
- Dealer’s Turn - After all players have acted, the dealer plays according to fixed rules, typically hitting until they reach at least 17.
- Round Conclusion - The highest hand without exceeding 21 wins. If the dealer busts, remaining players win. A tie results in a “push,” where the player’s bet is returned.
The Five-Card Charlie Rule
- Some online blackjack games include the 5-card rule, where a player automatically wins if they draw five cards without busting (going over 21).
- This rule reduces the house edge by approximately 1.46%, making it a valuable advantage when available.
- Since not all online blackjack games offer Five-Card Charlie, always check the game rules before playing.
- Strategically, this rule can impact your decisions—if you're close to five cards and under 21, it may be worth taking another hit to capitalise on the automatic win.
The Online Blackjack Table Layout
Even though you’re playing from your phone or laptop, online blackjack tables are designed to replicate the real deal—and knowing the layout helps you feel more in control.
Here’s what you’ll see on a typical online blackjack screen:
Key Table Elements:
-
Your betting area: Usually at the bottom, where you place your chips before each hand.
-
Dealer’s hand: Displayed at the top, with one card face up and one face down (just like in a physical casino).
-
Player hand(s): In front of your betting spot, updated after each action (Hit, Stand, Split, etc.).
-
Action buttons: Large, easy-to-tap buttons like Hit, Stand, Double, Split, and Insurance.
-
Chip stack: Clickable chips that let you adjust your bet size quickly.
Player Actions in Blackjack Explained
Making the right move at the right time is what separates skilled blackjack players from casual gamblers. Each decision—whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender—should be based on strategy, not intuition. Here's a breakdown of each action and when to use it wisely.
Hit
Taking another card to increase your hand's total.
- Best used when your hand is low (e.g., 8-12) and you need to improve your chances of beating the dealer.
- Be cautious when hitting at 16 or higher, as the risk of busting increases significantly.
Stand
Keeping your current hand and ending your turn.
- Ideal when your hand is strong (17 or higher) and the dealer has a weak upcard (2-6).
- If the dealer shows a high card (7-Ace), you may need to reconsider standing on 16 or lower.
Double Down
Doubling your original bet in exchange for taking only one more card.
- Best used when you have a total of 10 or 11, especially against a dealer’s low card (2-6).
- Avoid doubling down if the dealer shows an Ace or a 10-value card, as they have a strong chance of getting 20 or 21.
Split
Creating two separate hands when dealt a pair, doubling your bet.
- Always split Aces and 8s: Splitting Aces increases your chances of hitting 21, while splitting 8s avoids a weak starting total of 16.
- Never split 10s: A total of 20 is already strong, and splitting reduces your winning chances.
Surrender
Surrender in blackjack means forfeiting half of your bet and ending the round.
- A smart move when you have a weak hand against a strong dealer upcard.
- Example: Surrender if you have 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace.
Making the right decisions consistently will significantly improve your odds over the long run. Understanding these actions is key to mastering blackjack.
Dealer’s Actions Explained
The dealer follows strict rules that dictate when they must hit and when they must stand. Unlike players, they have no freedom to make strategic decisions. This predictable pattern can be used to your advantage when playing online blackjack.
- The dealer must hit on 16 or less – This means that if they start with a weak hand, they are more likely to bust.
- The dealer must stand on 17 or more – Once they reach 17, their turn ends, even if their hand is weak.
Why the Dealer’s Hand Matters to You
Knowing the dealer's fixed actions helps you make better decisions with your own hand.
- If the dealer’s upcard is 2-6 (a weak card), the best strategy is often to play conservatively, letting them bust.
- If the dealer’s upcard is 7-Ace (a strong card), you need to be more aggressive, taking additional risks to improve your hand.
For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 6, basic strategy suggests standing on 12 or higher, as there’s a strong chance they will bust.
Winning, Losing, and Pushes in Blackjack
All good things must come to an end, and that includes every round of Blackjack. When you’re in the thick of a blackjack game, here are the possible outcomes:
Win (42.22% Probability):
- Your hand’s total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21.
- You have a blackjack, which is an Ace and a ten-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) as your first two cards, and the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack.
Loss (49.10% Probability):
- Your hand’s total exceeds 21, resulting in a bust.
- The dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than yours without exceeding 21.
- The dealer has a blackjack, and you don’t.
Push or Tie (8.48% Probability):
- Your hand and the dealer’s hand have the same total.
- Both you and the dealer have a blackjack, resulting in a “push 21.”
- Each player competes only against the dealer, not other players at the table.
- Every player is dealt two cards, and so is the dealer (one card face-up, one face-down).
- The goal is to build a hand that gets as close to 21 as possible without going over, while having a higher total than the dealer.
Betting in Blackjack
- Players place their bets before any cards are dealt.
- The dealer distributes two cards to each player and themselves.
- Players then make strategic decisions based on their hand and the dealer's upcard.
Types of Bets
Before playing a hand, players must place their bets. Understanding betting options is crucial for managing your bankroll and maximising your winning potential.
Main Bet
Insurance
Side Bets
Minimum and Maximum Bet
Blackjack House Edge and RTP
Blackjack has some of the best odds of any casino game—if you play it right.
Key numbers to know:
-
Standard House Edge: Around 0.5% when using basic strategy
-
RTP (Return to Player): Up to 99.5%, depending on the rules and number of decks
That means for every $100 bet, you're expected to get $99.50 back over time. Compare that to pokies or roulette, and it's easy to see why blackjack is a favourite for serious players.
What affects the house edge?
-
More decks = Slightly higher edge
-
Dealer hits on soft 17 = Less favourable
-
Doubling rules = More flexibility = Better for players
-
Payouts: Always look for 3:2 on blackjack wins. Avoid tables offering 6:5—it hurts your long-term return.
Playing the Game - Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Blackjack
Let’s walk through a real blackjack scenario where you bet $10 AUD.
- Place Your Bet – You wager $10 AUD by selecting your chips and clicking on the betting area.
- Receive Your Cards – The dealer deals you a 10♠ and a 6♦ (total: 16), while their upcard is a 6♣.
- Assess Your Hand – You have a hard 16. The dealer has a weak upcard (6), meaning they are likely to bust.
- Choose Your Action – Based on strategy, you stand because the dealer is in a weak position.
- Dealer’s Turn – The dealer reveals their hole card, a 10♦, making their total 16. They must draw again and receive a 9♠, bringing their total to 25—bust!
- Determine the Winner – Since the dealer busted, you win and receive a 1:1 payout, meaning you now have $20 AUD ($10 profit).
Basic Blackjack Strategy
To maximise your chances of winning in blackjack, you need to follow a basic strategy based on mathematical probability. Using a blackjack strategy chart helps guide your decisions depending on your hand and the dealer's upcard. You might also consider using a blackjack betting system like the Martingale or Fibonacci.
Strategy Chart and Optimal Moves
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Hard Hands (No Ace): | |
| Hard total of 8 or less | Always hit |
| Hard total of 17 or more | Always stand |
| Soft Hands (With an Ace): | |
| Ace + 17 or more | Always stand |
| Ace + 18 | Stand unless dealer has 9, 10, or Ace |
| Pairs: | |
| Aces & 8s | Always split |
| 5s & 10s | Never split |
| Doubling Down: | |
| Totals of 9, 10, or 11 | Double down if allowed id dealer's upcard is low card (2-10) |
| Soft Hands Strategy: | |
| Soft 17 (Ace + 6) | Always hit |
| Soft 13-18 vs. dealer 5-6 | Double down |
| Dealer's Upcard Strategy: | |
| Dealer has 2-6 (weak hand) | Stand on 12+, double down when possible |
| Dealer has 7-Ace (strong hand) | Hit on 12-16 instead of standing |
| Late Surrender Situations: | |
| 16 vs. dealer 9-Ace | Surrender to cut losses |
| 15 vs. dealer 10 | Surrender when possible |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players make errors that cost them money. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Taking blackjack insurance – Unless you’re counting cards, this is generally a poor choice.
- Standing on 16 against a dealer’s 7 or higher – Basic strategy suggests hitting instead.
- Ignoring table rules – Some tables have different dealer rules (e.g., hitting on soft 17).
Understanding the House Edge & Expected Returns
- With perfect basic strategy, the house edge in blackjack can be as low as 0.5%.
- Rules and game variations impact the house edge: For example, if the dealer hits on soft 17, the house edge increases by ~0.22%.
- Always check the table rules before playing to ensure you're getting the best possible odds.
To maximise your chances of winning, follow a strategy based on mathematical probability. Using a blackjack strategy can help guide your decisions based on your hand and the dealer's upcard.
Types of Blackjack
Different blackjack variants introduce new rules and side bets:
- European Blackjack – No hole card for the dealer until players complete their turns.
- Spanish 21 – No 10s in the deck but offers bonus payouts.
- Atlantic City Blackjack – Allows late surrender and re-splitting of Aces.
Other Blackjack Guides
Other Blackjack Guides
Conclusion
Blackjack is more than just a game of luck—it’s a battle of strategy and smart decision-making. By understanding the rules and applying basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge and improve your results.
Keep a cool head, avoid common mistakes, and most importantly, have fun while playing responsibly. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge, it’s time to hit the tables and put your skills to the test!
Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.
Read more about the authorLatest Guides
