How to Play Blackjack: Rules for Beginners

Originating in French casinos around 1700, blackjack is one of the world’s longest-standing and popular casino card games and reached enormous popularity. Beyond its long history, blackjack is common because it’s easy for novice players to learn. But due to its strategic nature it can also be challenging for advanced and expert gamblers. Another reason for the game’s appeal is that blackjack has some of the best odds in both online and land-based casinos. Before diving into the exciting world of blackjack, it is worth learning some basic rules.

The Aim of Blackjack

Whether you are playing land-based or online blackjack, the aim of the game is simple: get as near as possible to 21 by adding the value of your cards without going higher while also having a better hand value than the dealer. Each round of blackjack starts with the player and the dealer both holding two cards. Players can stick with their cards or draw more cards to reach a higher value closer to 21. Dealers also have the same goal during online blackjack games.

Blackjack Card Values

If you are playing online blackjack at one of our recommended blackjack casinos, understanding card values is essential. Numbered cards (2-10) are worth points equal to their numerical value, meaning a four is worth 4 points, a six is worth 6 points, and so on. All face cards – jacks, queens, and kings – are worth 10 points.

Aces are generally worth 11 points, yet if this would take you over 21 and bust your hand, it will instead count as just 1 point. An ace also helps to form a “Blackjack” hand, the highest winning hand made from an ace with a card with the value of 10. If you hold an ace in your hand, this is known as a “soft hand”, which essentially means there is less risk in your hand, given the ace can be used as 1 if you are dealt a card that will take you over 21. Any group of cards you hold without an ace is known as a “hard hand”.

Things to Remember: Basic Rules of Online Blackjack

Now that you understand how to play blackjack, there are a few rules about hand rankings you should know: 

• If both the player and dealer have hands showing less than 21, the hand closest to 21 wins.
• If player or dealer hands exceed 21 (known as a bust), they lose. 
• If player and dealer hands score the same value, the bet is returned (known as a push).