You watched a casino movie and thought, “How is Blackjack played? It seems hard.” Here’s a shocker— it is easy, and you’re about to learn how to play like a pro.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the blackjack basics, card values, gameplay flow, and real examples to get you tuned in.
Know the Game: What is Blackjack?
It’s a fact that Blackjack is one of the simplest and most exciting card games you can play. Also known as 21. To win in this game, you have to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible — without going over. Simple as that.
You’re not playing against any other players — just you vs the dealer. Each round is quick, making it easy to learn and enjoy.
So, why is blackjack a casino favorite? Maybe because it has a low house edge, which means players have better odds of winning compared to many other games.
According to EGamersWorld, “blackjack is the most played casino table game in America”.
Whether you’re at a casino or playing online, blackjack is the perfect entry point for new players.
Know the Cards: Values and Setup
Before you get into play mode, you need to understand how the cards work. In blackjack, the number cards, 2-10 are worth their exact numbers The Jacks, Queens, and Kings — that’s the face cards, are each worth 10. Then the special one, the Aces — they can count as 1 or 11, depending on what helps your hand best.
A standard 52-card deck is used for the game. However, casinos often use 6 to 8 decks shuffled together to keep things interesting and unpredictable.
Each player gets two cards face up. The dealer also gets two — one card faced up, another faced down. So for instance, if you’re dealt a Queen and an 8, your total is 18. Easy, right?
According to Cache Creek Casino Resort, “Multiple decks are used to reduce card counting but at the same time it gives players more time to make decisions”.
Once you know how cards are valued, you’re halfway to making a fortune at the table.
Know how to Play: Blackjack Step-by-Step
Ready to Play? This is how to.
- Place your bet.
- Get your cards.
- Add up your cards.
- Choose your next move:
– Hit: means you want another card.
– Stand: indicates you’re happy with your total and don’t want more cards.
– Double down: signifies you double your bet and receive just one more card.
– Split: If you get two cards of the same value (like two 9s), you can split them into two separate hands. - Dealer’s turn. The dealer flips their hidden card and keeps drawing cards until they reach 17 or higher.
- Compare hands. Whoever is closer to 21 without going over wins the round!
The better you understand basic rules of blackjack, the more confident you feel, and the better your chances of winning.
Let’s Play a Round Together
Here’s a scenario: You place your bet. The dealer gives you two cards: a 10 and a 3, for a total of 13. The dealer flips up their first card — it’s a 4.
Now it’s decision time. You’ve got 13, which isn’t great — but the dealer has a 4, which is considered a weak card. In blackjack, the dealer must keep drawing until he reaches at least 17, so there’s a good chance he’ll bust. Because of that, you stand — allowing the dealer to take the risk instead of you.
The dealer flips over his hidden card — it’s a 9, giving them a total of 13. They draw again and pull a 10, which pushes them over 21. Dealer busts! Since you stood on 12 and didn’t go over, you win the hand.
Ready To Play
Now you’ve learned what blackjack is, how the cards are valued, and the exact steps to play. By mastering these blackjack basics and seeing a real round in action; you are ready to play!
