How to Play Blackjack

Playing blackjack is among the simplest casino games, particularly when using Betpro or Bpexch Vegas. What rules does your blackjack dealer follow, though? What about the payments on your blackjack side bets? And what distinguishes blackjack from Spanish 21 exactly?

With the help of our Betpro or Bpexch "How to play Blackjack – BlackjackCharts" tutorial, start your path to blackjack expertise.

Do you want to expand your vocabulary in blackjack? View our dictionary of terminology related to blackjack.
"Hard 17": Would you hit on it? Check out our chart-based guide to basic blackjack strategy.
Play real money online blackjack games at Betpro or Bpexch to start the countdown to 21.

The aim of blackjack

Blackjack's straightforward goal is to outscore the house dealer by building a hand of cards that comes the closest to 21, but never goes over, 21.

It's crucial to remember that in blackjack, the player must act first, giving the casino the advantage. Even if the dealer finally busts, the player loses their wager instantly if they bust.

Blackjack rules

A blackjack game typically proceeds as follows:

1. Betting

The dealer shuffles the deck (note: a machine known as the "shoe" shuffles decks in multi-deck blackjack). After each player has made their stake, the round starts.

2. Dealing

The cards are dealt by the dealer. According to normal blackjack regulations, each player is dealt two face-up cards, while the dealer is dealt one face-up card and the other card is still face-down.

3. Naturals

Blackjack is considered "natural" if the player's initial two cards dealt are an ace and a ten (21). In the event where the dealer does not have a natural and the player does, the dealer will pay out 3 to 2 right away, which is equivalent to 1.5 times the player's wager. All players who do not have naturals have their bets instantly collected by the dealer in the event that they do. A tie, also referred to as a "push," results in the player's wager being returned without any wins.

4. Playing

The dealer asks each player if they would want to stand, which means they don't want to draw any more cards, or hit, which means they would like to request one more card. Moreover, players have the option to divide, surrender, or double down; read on for more information on these sophisticated moves.

5. Settling

A payout of one to one will be given to the player if their hand total exceeds the dealer's score. However, if a player's hand totals more than 21, it is considered to be a "bust," which means they forfeit their stake and the round even if the dealer also busts.

Betting in blackjack

Each player places chips in the proper betting area in front of them to start a blackjack round. Prior to putting any money on the table, it is usually advisable to confirm the minimum and maximum bet limits that have been agreed upon.

Card values

Every card in blackjack is tallied according to its initial numerical value. Furthermore, the value of the jack, queen, and king face cards is 10. Regarding the ace card, the player determines the "soft total," or whether an ace they have counts as 1 or 11.

In this introduction to fundamental blackjack strategy with charts, you will learn the optimal move for each hand total as well as everything you need to know about "hard and soft hands."

Hit or stand

The two most crucial decisions you'll have to make are which to "hit" and which to "stand." But do you know the blackjack hand symbols for hit and stand before you make those choices?

Requesting another card from the dealer is known as hitting. If you're satisfied with the sum of your cards and choose to remain with them, you can stand

When is the right time to hit or stand? See what our basic blackjack strategy charts have to offer.