Blackjack 101

The Goal

You're not trying to get to 21. You're trying to beat the dealer. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's without going over, you win. If the dealer busts and you don't, you win.

Blackjack Basics

Card Values: Number cards = face value. Face cards = 10. Aces = 1 or 11.

Your Options:

• Hit - take another card
• Stand - keep what you have
• Double - double your bet, take one more card, done
• Split - if you have a pair, split into two hands
• Surrender - give up half your bet, forfeit the hand (if allowed)
• Insurance - side bet when dealer shows an ace, never take it, it is only in favor of the house
• Even Money - offered when you have blackjack and dealer shows an ace, pays 1:1 immediately instead of risking a push, never take it, it's mathematically identical to insurance
• Side Bets - additional bets like Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Lucky Ladies, etc., never take them, they all have high house edges (2-10%+)

Fun tip: Some casinos let you double for less than your original bet. Don't. It's mathematically worse unless you're literally short on chips.

Basic Strategy

The mathematically optimal play for every hand. Memorize it, and you'll have the lowest possible house edge.

How it works: Look up your hand vs. the dealer's upcard. The chart tells you exactly what to do.

Example: You have 16, dealer shows 10. Basic strategy says hit. Yes, you'll probably bust. But standing loses more often in the long run.

What it's NOT: A way to win. You'll still lose long-term. It's not card counting. It just minimizes your losses.

House edge: The casino's mathematical advantage. With basic strategy, it's around 0.5% — meaning you lose 50 cents per $100 wagered on average. Without it, you're giving away 2-3%.

The Standard Payout: 3:2

When you get a blackjack, the standard payout is 3:2:

Under standard rules, the house edge with correct basic strategy is 0.43%. In some high-limit rooms with the right rule combinations, the house edge can drop below 0.26%.

The Math

House Edge

That 1.39% penalty is huge. For comparison, baccarat (betting banker only) has a 1.06% house edge. Craps (pass line with full odds) is 0.37%. Video poker (9/6 Jacks or Better) is 0.46%. At 1.82%, 6:5 blackjack is worse than all of these.

How They Get You

Low minimums. They offer $5 at 6:5 tables, $25 at 3:2. Don't fall for it.

Location. 6:5 tables up front. Real games in back.

Small print. "Blackjack pays 6:5" is buried in tiny letters on the felt or screen. Can't find it? Ask the dealer. They won't be happy you asked, but better that than finding out after your first blackjack.

Rule Variations