Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games for good reason. The rules are simple, every hand involves a real decision and, with the right strategy, it offers some of the best odds in the casino.
This guide teaches you how to play blackjack online from scratch: the rules, the card values, your options on each hand and a simplified basic strategy chart you can use straight away.
The Goal of Blackjack
Your goal is simple: beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.
You win if:
- Your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's
- The dealer goes over 21 ('busts') and you haven't
You lose if you bust, or if the dealer finishes closer to 21. If you tie, it's a 'push' and your bet is returned.
Card Values
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2–10 | Face value |
| Jack, Queen, King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11, whichever helps your hand |
A hand with an ace counted as 11 is called a soft hand (for example, ace + 6 = soft 17). A hand without an ace counted as 11 is a hard hand.
How a Hand of Blackjack Plays
- Place your bet.
- The deal: You get two cards face up. The dealer gets two cards, one face up (the 'upcard').
- Check for blackjack: An ace plus a 10-value card is a 'blackjack', the best hand. It usually pays 3:2.
- Make your decisions: Hit, stand, double down or split.
- The dealer plays: The dealer reveals their hidden card and follows fixed rules, typically hitting until reaching at least 17.
- Settle bets: Wins are paid, losses are collected, pushes are returned.
Your Options on Each Hand
- Hit: Take another card.
- Stand: Keep your current total.
- Double down: Double your bet, take exactly one more card, then stand. Best when you have a strong total like 10 or 11.
- Split: If your first two cards are a pair, split them into two separate hands with a second bet.
- Insurance: Offered when the dealer shows an ace. It's a side bet that the dealer has blackjack, and basic strategy says don't take it.
- Surrender (if offered): Give up half your bet to end the hand early.
Simplified Basic Strategy Chart
Basic strategy is the mathematically best way to play each hand based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. This simplified version is designed for common multi-deck games where the dealer stands on soft 17.
Hard Totals
| Your hand | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8 or less | Always hit |
| 9 | Double vs dealer 3–6; otherwise hit |
| 10 | Double vs dealer 2–9; otherwise hit |
| 11 | Double vs dealer 2–10; hit vs ace |
| 12 | Stand vs dealer 4–6; otherwise hit |
| 13–16 | Stand vs dealer 2–6; hit vs 7–ace |
| 17 or more | Always stand |
Soft Totals (Hands with an Ace)
| Your hand | What to do |
|---|---|
| A,2 or A,3 | Double vs dealer 5–6; otherwise hit |
| A,4 or A,5 | Double vs dealer 4–6; otherwise hit |
| A,6 | Double vs dealer 3–6; otherwise hit |
| A,7 | Double vs 3–6; stand vs 2, 7, 8; hit vs 9–ace |
| A,8 or A,9 | Always stand |
Pairs
| Your pair | What to do |
|---|---|
| A,A or 8,8 | Always split |
| 10,10 | Never split; stand |
| 5,5 | Never split; treat as hard 10 |
| 2,2 / 3,3 / 7,7 | Split vs dealer 2–7; otherwise hit |
| 4,4 | Split vs dealer 5–6 if doubling after split is allowed; otherwise hit |
| 6,6 | Split vs dealer 2–6; otherwise hit |
| 9,9 | Split vs dealer 2–6 and 8–9; stand vs 7, 10 or ace |
If doubling isn't allowed in a situation where the chart says double, hit instead (or stand with soft 18).
Why Basic Strategy Matters
Played well, blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino, often around 0.5% under good rules. Played by gut feel, the edge can be several times higher. Basic strategy won't guarantee wins, but it gives every hand its best possible chance.
Rules affect the edge too. Look for tables that pay 3:2 for blackjack rather than 6:5, since the lower payout noticeably increases the house edge. See our guide to RTP vs house edge for more on how these numbers work.
Common Blackjack Mistakes
- Taking insurance. It's a side bet with a poor expected return.
- Never hitting a 12–16. Standing on 15 against a dealer's 10 feels safe but loses more over time.
- Splitting 10s. A 20 is a strong hand. Keep it.
- Not splitting 8s. 16 is the worst hand; two hands starting with 8 are better.
- Using betting systems. Raising your bets after losses doesn't change the odds. See our betting systems test.
FAQ
Is online blackjack easy to learn?
Yes. The goal is simple: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Learning basic strategy takes a bit longer, but you can keep a chart open while you play online.
What is the best strategy for blackjack?
Basic strategy, which tells you the mathematically best move for every combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard.
Should I take insurance in blackjack?
No. Basic strategy recommends never taking insurance, because it's a side bet with a poor expected return.
What does 'dealer stands on soft 17' mean?
It means the dealer stops drawing when they have a total of 17 that includes an ace counted as 11. This rule is slightly better for players than the dealer hitting soft 17.
Take a Seat at the Table
Blackjack rewards players who learn the rules and stick to a strategy. Start with small bets, keep the basic strategy chart handy, and set a budget before you play. When you're ready, try blackjack at Diamond Reels and put your new skills to work.
Try blackjack at Diamond Reels
Play responsibly. Diamond Reels is for players aged 21 and over. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits before you play, and if gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for free, confidential support, or visit our Responsible Gaming page.
