Rules of Blackjack Games in Casinos – Blackjack is one of the most well-known and widely played casino card games. Its popularity comes from its simple rules, fast pace, and clear objective. The main goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total value of 21. While the rules are generally consistent, minor variations may exist depending on the casino or table.
In blackjack, each card has a set value. Cards numbered 2 through 10 are worth their face value. Face cards—Kings, Queens, and Jacks—are each worth 10 points. Aces are unique because they can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand most. This flexibility makes the Ace one of the most powerful cards in the game.
At the beginning of a round, players place their bets before any cards are dealt. The dealer then gives two cards to each player and two cards to themselves. Players’ cards are usually dealt face up, while the dealer has one card face up (known as the upcard) and one card face down (the hole card). Players use the dealer’s upcard to help guide their decisions.
After receiving the initial cards, players take turns deciding how to play their hands. The most common options are hit and stand. Hitting means requesting another card to increase the hand’s total, while standing means keeping the current hand and ending the turn. Players may hit as many times as they wish, as long as the total does not exceed 21. If it does, the hand is considered a bust and automatically loses.
Casinos also offer additional options under certain conditions. Doubling down allows a player to double the original bet in exchange for receiving only one additional card. Splitting is available when a player’s first two cards are of the same value; the player can split them into two separate hands, placing an extra bet. Some casinos also allow surrender, where the player forfeits half the bet and ends the hand immediately.
Once all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals the hole card and plays according to fixed rules. In most casinos, the dealer must hit on totals of 16 or lower and stand on 17 or higher. Some tables require the dealer to hit on a “soft 17,” which is a hand totaling 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11. These dealer rules are automatic and remove decision-making from the dealer’s role.
Winning in blackjack depends on comparing hands. If a player’s total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, the player wins. If the dealer busts and the player does not, the player also wins. If both totals are equal, the result is called a push, and the bet is returned.
A special winning hand is known as a blackjack, which occurs when a player’s first two cards are an Ace and a 10-value card. Blackjack usually pays 3:2, although some tables offer 6:5, which affects payouts.