Blackjack

Blackjack stands as the most widely played table game in casinos.

Introduction

Blackjack is the most popular casino table game worldwide. You'll find it available at almost every online casino. Its low house edge and manageable variance make Blackjack an excellent option for clearing bonuses when permitted.

Rules and Play

Hands in Blackjack are scored by adding up the values of the cards. For instance, a hand with a 4, 5, and 6 totals 4+5+6=15. Face cards are each worth 10 points. Aces can count as either 1 or 11, so an Ace and a 7 could be valued at either 8 or 18. The goal in Blackjack is to achieve the highest total possible without exceeding 21. A total over 21 is a bust, and the player automatically loses their bet, regardless of the dealer's hand. A two-card 21 is called a "Blackjack" and is the highest-ranking hand. Players receive a bonus payout for a Blackjack: Blackjacks pay 3:2, while other winning hands pay 1:1.

After placing a wager, both the player and dealer receive two cards. One of the dealer's cards is face-up and visible to the player. Under standard rules, if the dealer shows an Ace or a 10-value card, they check for a potential Blackjack. If the dealer has an Ace showing, the player can purchase "insurance" against a dealer Blackjack. Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer's hole card is a 10 or face card, completing a Blackjack. In single-hand play, the house edge on the insurance bet ranges from 2% to 15%, depending on the number of decks and cards already in play. Therefore, buying insurance is generally not advantageous for the player, except in specific situations where the remaining deck is known to be rich in 10-value cards (such as in single or double-deck games with few tens drawn, or when card counting). Refer to the insurance exceptions page for more details. If the dealer has a Blackjack, the hand ends immediately. If not, the player decides how to proceed with their hand. The available options include:

Stand – The player keeps their current cards and ends their turn.

Hit – The player draws another card. They can continue hitting until they reach 21 or bust.

Double – The player doubles their original bet and receives exactly one more card, after which their turn ends. Players can only double on a two-card hand and cannot hit again after doubling.

Split – If the player's first two cards are of equal value, they can split them into two separate hands. The original bet is doubled to cover both new hands. After splitting, each new hand receives an additional card. If a player splits Aces, each Ace gets only one more card and the turn ends. For any other pair, the player can then hit, stand, or double on each resulting hand. Re-splitting may also be allowed under certain rules.

Strategy

Despite the complex rules, the optimal strategy for baccarat is surprisingly straightforward. Players do not make decisions about which cards to take or whether to hit or stand. Simply place your bet on Banker or Player, wait for the dealer to reveal the cards, and see if you've won. Typically, Banker bets carry a slightly lower house edge than Player bets, as detailed below. Therefore, the best strategy is to consistently bet on Banker.