Rules of the game Blackjack

Basic rules

The aim of the game is to beat the dealer. To do this, the player must first not go over 21, and then the dealer must either have a lower score than the player or go over 21.

  • In Blackjack, they play with 1 to 8 decks of 52 cards.
  • Cards from 2 to 10 are counted according to their face value. J Q K are worth 10 points. A is worth 11 points as long as the total value of the hand is less than 22, and 1 point if the total value is 23 or more.
  • The value of a hand is the sum of the cards. The exception is Blackjack — A + 10 / J / Q / K, the best combination in the game which beats all other hands with 21 points.
  • After the players place their bets, the dealer deals two cards to each player and two cards to themselves. The player receives both cards face up, while the dealer receives one face down out of the two.
  • If the dealer has an open 10 / J / Q / K or A, then after offering insurance (if applicable), he will look at his hole card to see if he has a blackjack. If he does, he will immediately show it and the game will end.
  • If the dealer has blackjack, all bets (except for insurance) lose, unless the player also has blackjack. In that case, the player's bet will be returned.
  • If the game is not over by this point, the player has the following options:
    • Stop: the player stays with their cards;
    • Another card: the player takes another card (and more, if they want to). If this card leads to the total sum of points exceeding 21 (this is called a bust), then the player loses.
    • Double: the player doubles their bet and receives one more card (they will not be able to receive any more cards).
    • Split: if a player has two identical cards or any two cards worth 10 points, he can double his bet and split his cards into two separate hands. The dealer will give each hand a second card. The player can then continue the regular game on each hand. However, when splitting aces, each ace only receives one card. Doubling after splitting is sometimes not allowed. The permissibility of resplitting also depends on the rules of the specific establishment.
    • Surrender: the player loses half of their bet and doesn't play their hand. This option is only available on the first two cards and not in all casinos.
  • After the player finishes their turn, the dealer flips over their facedown card. If the dealer has 16 or less, they take another card.
  • If the dealer has more than 21 points, any player who has not yet lost their bet wins.
  • If the dealer has a score between 17 and 21 points, the hand with the higher sum of points wins.
  • If the dealer and the player have the same number of points, the bet is returned.
  • In case of winning, the payout is 1 to 1. Except for blackjack, which is usually paid out at a ratio of 1.5.

Popular variations

  • Soft 17: the dealer takes another card on soft 17.
  • Doubling: in some casinos, a player can double their bet only if they have 9, 10, or 11 in their hand.
  • Doubling after splitting: in some casinos, it is allowed to double after splitting, while in others it is not.
  • Re-splitting: a rule regulating the ability to split cards again.
  • Split aces: in some games, you won't be able to split aces.
  • Charlie: an automatic win for a player if they have drawn a certain number of cards without going bust (usually 5 to 7).