Casinos - Blackjack

The Goal of the Game

The objective is simple: beat the dealer without going over 21.

You don’t compete against other players—just the house. The closer your hand total is to 21 without busting (going over), the better your chances of walking away a winner.

Basic Rules of Blackjack

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the game works:

•  Card Values:

•  Number cards (2 through 10) are worth their face value.
•  Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points.
•  Aces can count as either 1 or 11—whichever benefits your hand.

•  The Deal:

•  Each player is dealt two cards, usually face up.
•  The dealer also gets two cards—typically one face up, one face down (the "hole" card).

•  Player Choices:

Once you’ve seen your two cards, you can:

•  Hit – Take another card.
•  Stand – Keep your current hand and end your turn.
•  Double Down – Double your original bet, take one more card, and automatically stand.
•  Split – If your two cards are a pair (e.g., two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
•  Surrender (in some games) – Forfeit half your bet and end the hand early.

•  Dealer’s Turn:


After all players have acted, the dealer reveals the hole card and draws cards until reaching at least 17. Most casinos require the dealer to hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or higher (some hit soft 17—Ace + 6).

•  Winning the Hand:

•  If your hand is higher than the dealer’s without going over 21, you win and are paid 1:1.
•  If you hit exactly 21 with your first two cards (an Ace and a 10-point card), that's a blackjack—and you’re usually paid 3:2.
•  If the dealer busts (goes over 21) and you don’t, you win.
•  If you bust, you lose automatically, regardless of the dealer’s hand.

Why Gamblers Love Blackjack

Blackjack is popular for one major reason: the house edge is low—as little as 0.5% with perfect play. That means smart gamblers who understand basic strategy can minimize losses and improve their chances of walking away ahead.
Unlike games of pure luck, blackjack rewards knowledge and decision-making. If you learn the basic strategy (a chart that tells you the statistically correct play for every possible hand), you can compete on nearly even footing with the house. Some advanced players even take it further with card counting—but that’s another story.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned gambler or just getting into table games, blackjack offers a mix of risk, reward, and strategy that few other games can match. It’s fast, it's fun, and when the cards go your way, it’s one of the most satisfying wins in the casino.

So next time you’re eyeing the tables, don’t overlook the blackjack pit—it just might be your best bet.