Have you ever wondered how Blackjack—one of the most thrilling and widely loved card games—came to be such a sensation? From its first literary mention in late 17th-century Spain to its modern-day form in glitzy casinos and online platforms, Blackjack has captured the imaginations of card players for centuries. But what makes it so compelling? Part of its enduring appeal is that Blackjack isn’t just about luck; it invites strategy, skill, and a dash of daring.
Whether you’re seated at a bustling casino table or enjoying the adrenaline rush of a live-streamed game from home, this guide will walk you through everything from the game’s fascinating backstory to the essential rules and winning tactics that can help you beat the dealer. Get ready to experience one of history’s most iconic card games in a whole new way!
The Origins of Blackjack
Some historians believe that Blackjack has its roots in an ancient Roman game played with wooden blocks instead of cards. However, the first time it was ever mentioned in a piece of writing was in 1601. The writer of the famous Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes, introduced the game in Rinconete y Cortadillo, a short story set in 1569 about two thieves on their way to Seville. Both main characters are expert cheats at the game Veintiuna which is Spanish for Twenty-One. It’s clarified in the book that the object of the game is to reach exactly 21 points.
Miguel de Cervantes was infamous for his gambling, and even though the game may have originated from France, as certain historians claim, it’s clear that travelers have been playing Twenty-One all over Europe during the early 17th century. The game was a favorite at King Louis XV’s royal court. Even Napoleon, the famed military leader and French emperor was a huge fan of Vingt-et-Un. He'd celebrate victories by indulging in the profitable pastime.
At the dawn of the 18th century, North America would come to know and love Vingt-et-Un thanks to French colonists. It was played in the newly legalized gambling halls of New Orleans and later spread throughout the country like wildfire. When it finally reached Nevada, rumor has it that the local casinos dubbed the game Blackjack following a special promotion that paid 10:1 if you won with a Jack of Spades or Clubs and an Ace.
Short and Simple Blackjack Rules
History aside, let’s take a look at the rules and playing decisions. Blackjack is a seemingly straightforward game, but under its surface lies a complex maze of split-second decisions and psychological trickery. Before we get into that, however, we need to know the basics.
Let’s get one thing straight. Although the game is called Blackjack or Twenty-One, the goal is to get a higher total than the dealer without going over 21 or ‘bust.’
When you want another card, that’s called taking a hit. In a land-based casino, you’d actually say the words ‘hit me!’ or you’d tap your finger. You may take as many hits as you want as long as you don’t go over 21. When you’re pleased with the cards you have, you’ll want to click or tap the Stand button that’s standard in most online Blackjack games. The dealer must draw more cards when his hand amounts to 16 or less and stand on 17 or better.
When adding up your total, cards up to 9 are taken at face value. For example, a 3 of clubs or any other suit will be worth 3 points. 10s, Jack, Queens, and Kings are worth ten points. An Ace can be 1 or 11. A hand without Aces is called a Hard Hand. Say you get a 5 and a 9. That’s a hard hand. However, if you do have an Ace and a 5, your total will amount to either 6 or 16. The choice is yours. A hand with an Ace is called a Soft Hand. Since there are only four Aces in a deck, and even if the game is played with multiple decks, most hands will be hard hands.
Let's get into more details:
Blackjack Objective
In blackjack, your main objective is to beat the dealer's hand without exceeding a hand value of 21. If your hand exceeds 21 it results in a "bust," and you automatically lose the round, regardless of the dealer's hand. Winning usually pays out at a 1:1 ratio, meaning you receive an equal amount to your bet. However, a key aspect of the game is achieving a "blackjack," which happens when your initial hand comprises an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). This hand is highly desirable, often rewarding players with a 3:2 payout.
Card Values in Blackjack
Each card in a standard deck comes with a specific numerical worth.
The Numbered Cards (2 through 10) are valued at their respective face values, making calculations fairly straightforward.
The Face Cards—King, Queen, and Jack—all bear a fixed value of 10 points.
Aces can assume a value of either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits your hand the most. This dual nature of Aces lends them a strategic significance, allowing players to adapt their hands to different scenarios.
Busting in Blackjack
Busting is a term in blackjack used to describe a situation where a player's hand exceeds the maximum allowable total of 21 points. When a player busts, they immediately lose the round, regardless of the dealer's hand. For example, if you have a 7 and a 9, your hand totals 16. If you decide to hit and draw a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King), your hand's total becomes 26, which is a bust. Understanding when to stop taking additional cards (hitting) to avoid busting is crucial for making strategic decisions in blackjack.
Hard vs. Soft Hand
Hard hand and soft hand are terms used to describe the presence of an Ace in your hand and how it is counted:
Hard Hand: A hard hand is a hand where the Ace is counted as 1 point to prevent busting. For instance, if you have a 7 and an Ace, your hand is considered a hard 18 because counting the Ace as 11 would cause you to bust (7 + 11 = 18).
Soft Hand: A soft hand is a hand where the Ace is counted as 11 points without busting. For example, if you have an Ace and a 6, your hand is a soft 17 because counting the Ace as 11 doesn't push your total over 21.
Understanding the difference between hard and soft hands is essential for making informed decisions during the game, especially when determining whether to hit or stand.
Blackjack Betting
Whether playing at a live casino or elsewhere, betting in blackjack involves exchanging your money for casino chips and placing those chips within the designated betting circle on the table (or simply clicking on the “bet” button in online games). These circles indicate the amount you're wagering on each hand. Knowing the table's minimum and maximum betting limits is crucial to ensure your bets align with your budget. Before you start, establish a bankroll, which is the total amount of money you're willing to risk during your gaming session. A common guideline is to bet no more than 1-2% of your bankroll on a single hand and to stick to your predetermined bankroll to make the most of your blackjack experience.
How Blackjack is Dealt
Card Distribution: The dealer shuffles the cards thoroughly at the start of a round. After shuffling, the dealer inserts the cards into the shoe. The cards are then dealt clockwise to the players, starting from the player to the dealer's immediate left and continuing around the table.
Player Cards: Each player receives two face-up cards. These cards are dealt from the top of the shoe or, in the case of single-deck or double-deck games, pitched directly from the dealer's hand. Players can typically handle their cards with one hand, but they should always remain above the table.
Dealer's Cards: The dealer also receives two cards, but only one of them, known as the "upcard," is revealed to the players. The other card, called the "downcard" or "hole card," remains face down. The dealer's upcard is crucial for player decisions as it provides insight into the potential strength of the dealer's hand.
Player decisions: Once players assess their initial two cards and the dealer's upcard, they decide based on their hand's total and the game strategy. Players can choose to hit (request an additional card), stand (keep their current hand), double down (double their initial bet and receive one more card), or split (if they have a pair of cards with the same rank). The aim is to form a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without going over.
Dealer's Turn: After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must follow specific rules known as "dealer's rules." Typically, the dealer must hit until their hand reaches a certain value, often 17 or higher. Once the dealer's hand meets or exceeds this threshold, they must stand.
Payouts: Players who beat the dealer without busting win their bets at a 1:1 ratio. If a player gets a "blackjack" (an Ace and a 10-value card), also called a “natural,” the payout is usually 3:2. Ties result in a push, where the player's bet is returned without any win or loss.
For a visual recap of everything we have discussed, here’s a video outlining the basic rules and how to play:
Blackjack Player Decisions
Now let's talk now about playing decisions in blackjack that eventually teach you how to win at blackjack.
Hitting: In blackjack, the decision to "hit" is one of the player's primary actions. When you choose to hit, you're asking the dealer to deal you an additional card to your current hand. You can continue to hit as many times as you like before you go bust. The decision to hit depends on your current hand value and your assessment of the dealer's upcard. Generally, you'll hit when your hand value is low and you think an additional card will improve your chances of beating the dealer.
Standing: "Standing" in blackjack means you decide not to take any more cards and are satisfied with your current hand. You typically choose to stand when your hand is strong enough to beat the dealer's hand or when you believe that taking another card would risk going over 21 (busting). The decision to stand is often based on your hand's total and your analysis of the dealer's upcard.
Splitting: When you are dealt a pair of cards with the same rank (e.g., two 7s or two Queens), you have the option to "split" them into two separate hands. This involves placing an additional bet equal to your original wager. Each paired card becomes the first card in a new hand, and the dealer deals a second card to each, effectively creating two independent hands to play. You can continue to play each hand separately, making hitting, standing, and other decisions as usual. Splitting allows you to potentially double your winnings if both split hands beat the dealer's hand.
Doubling down: "Doubling down" is an option that allows you to double your original bet after receiving your first two cards in exchange for committing to stand after receiving one more card. This decision is typically made when you believe that one additional card will significantly improve your hand and give you a strong chance of beating the dealer. It's important to note that not all casinos allow doubling down on any hand, so check the specific rules at the table you're playing at.
Surrendering: Some blackjack variants offer the option to "surrender" your hand, which means forfeiting half of your original bet in exchange for not playing out the hand. Surrender is typically allowed when you believe your chances of winning are low, especially if the dealer's upcard is strong. Surrendering can be a strategic move to limit potential losses in unfavorable situations.
Insurance: When the dealer's upcard is an Ace, players have the option to purchase "insurance." Insurance is a side bet that pays out 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) as their hole card. It's a way to protect your original bet if the dealer has a blackjack. However, we advise players against taking insurance as it is generally considered unprofitable in the long run.
Make sure to also check out Colin Jones and Loudon Ofton's video on how to play and win at blackjack:
Dealer’s decisions in blackjack
The blackjack dealer is bound by specific rules that dictate their actions. These rules vary but often include requirements for the dealer to hit until they reach a hand value of 17 or higher. Knowing the dealer's rules is crucial as it impacts your strategic decisions. You can make more informed choices during gameplay if you understand when the dealer must hit or stand. One critical rule pertains to how the dealer handles a soft 17 (Ace and 6):
Hitting on Soft 17: In most blackjack games, dealers must hit when they have a soft 17. This means that if the dealer's initial hand is an Ace and a 6 (or any other combination totaling 17 with an Ace valued as 11), they must draw another card. This rule is typically indicated on the table or stated by the casino.
Standing on Soft 17: In other variations, dealers must stand when they have a soft 17. This means that if the dealer's initial hand is a soft 17, they do not draw another card and keep their hand as is. Casinos that follow this rule often favor the player because it reduces the dealer's chances of improving their hand.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
One of the fundamental keys to success in blackjack is mastering basic strategy. Basic strategy involves making the optimal decision for every possible hand combination, considering your hand and the dealer's upcard. Following this strategy can minimize the house edge and help you make statistically advantageous choices. A basic strategy chart provides a visual reference for these decisions, guiding you on when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender. Learning and consistently applying basic strategy is crucial to improving your chances of winning.
Here’s a useful a blackjack cheat sheet outlining the optimal player decisions in all situations:
How to Memorize a Blackjack Chart
Memorizing the basic strategy chart might initially seem daunting, but practice makes perfect! Break down the chart into smaller sections or categories based on hand totals. Focus on learning one section at a time until you can confidently make the correct decisions without referring to the chart. Regular practice, repetition, and playing blackjack hands with the chart as a reference will help reinforce your memory. Over time, you'll become proficient in applying basic strategy instinctively. This is essential to having success at the game.
Advantage play:Due to the 3:2 payout on blackjacks, having more aces and 10s in the shoe (the device that holds the decks of cards) represents a statistical advantage, as it increases your likelihood of getting a blackjack. Players have devised strategies that take advantage of this rule, such as card counting. This strategy has you assign specific values to each card in the deck to keep track of their count. The most commonly used values in the Hi-Lo card counting system are as follows:
- High-value cards (10s, face cards, Aces) are assigned a value of -1.
- Low-value cards (2-6) are assigned a value of +1.
- Neutral cards (7-9) are given a value of 0.
At the beginning of the shoe, the count is set to 0. As cards are dealt, you add or subtract their assigned values from the running count. For example, if a 10, a 6, and a 7 are dealt successively, the running count becomes -1 (10 is -1, 6 is +1, and 7 is 0). The running count alone isn't sufficient because it doesn't consider the number of decks remaining in the shoe. To address this, advantage players calculate the "true count" by dividing the running count by the estimated number of decks left in the shoe. This provides a more accurate indication of the deck's favorability. Based on the true count, players adjust their bets. When the true count is favorable (i.e., the deck is rich in high-value cards), they increase their bets to capitalize on the improved odds. Conversely, they bet smaller amounts to minimize losses when the true count is negative or close to zero (indicating a low proportion of high-value cards).
Blackjack Dependency
One distinguishing feature of blackjack is its dependency on previous events. The cards that have been dealt in previous rounds impact the composition of the deck. For example, the likelihood of drawing another Ace decreases if several Aces have been played. This card dependency is in contrast to games like roulette, where each spin is independent, and the odds stay the same. Card dependency in blackjack means players can make informed decisions based on past events.
Blackjack is unique in that skill can heavily determine the outcome of a single play session.
House Edge in Blackjack
The concept of the "house edge" is crucial in understanding the casino's advantage over players in blackjack. As previously mentioned, the house edge is a percentage of wagers the casino expects to win on average over the long term. In a standard game where the casino pays out 3:2 for blackjacks, the casino’s edge is around 5.7%.
The primary factor contributing to the house edge in blackjack is the fact that players act first. When a player exceeds 21 and busts, they automatically lose the hand, regardless of whether the dealer busts in the same round. This rule creates the casino's advantage.
Players can decrease the house edge by using proper basic strategy, knowing when to hit, stand, double, split, etc. Perfect play can reduce the house edge from 5.7% to as low as 1% - 0.5%.
Blackjack Variations
In the world of blackjack, various game variations and side bets are available to players. These variations can add excitement and diversity to the game, but knowing their specific rules and potential advantages or disadvantages is essential. Here are some blackjack variations to consider:
- Power Blackjack: In this variation, players can triple or even quadruple their bets.
- Free bet Blackjack: This type of blackjack let’s you double on hard 9s, 10s and 11s for free, and also free split on all pairs below 10. Moreover, if the dealer busts with 22, it’s considered a push.
- Blackjack Side Bets: Many blackjack tables offer side bets such as "Perfect Pairs" or "21+3," allowing you to bet on specific card combinations. Remember that side bets typically have a higher house edge than the main game.
Fair Play Blackjack
Before engaging in live blackjack, read and understand the casino's terms and conditions (T&Cs) carefully. The T&Cs outline the rules, policies, and expectations for players. Familiarizing yourself with this information helps you make informed decisions and can save you a lot of trouble down the line.
Each live casino may have specific policies and guidelines related to gameplay, behavior, and responsible gaming. Respect these policies to maintain a positive environment for yourself and other players. Avoid any actions that could be interpreted as disruptive or unfair. Cheating, using software, or employing any unethical or malicious methods in live blackjack games is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe consequences, including account termination. Always play with integrity and rely on your skills and strategies rather than attempting to manipulate the game.
Here's How to Specifically Win at Blackjack
Alright, now let’s see what you can do to increase your chances of winning at this popular type of live or slot game!
- For cards totaling 3 to 11 in your hand, always hit regardless of the dealer’s face-up card.2 Keep hitting until your total is 17 or higher. Keep in mind that this is not a full-proof plan. You’ll have to think on your feet when using this strategy. Even then, the dealer might get a Blackjack. Still, it’s worth a shot. Lady Luck favors the bold!
- Always stand on 17 through 21 regardless of the dealer’s up card.3
- When you have a great hand, such as an Ace and an 8 or 9, always stand. Unless you get Blackjack, it doesn’t get any better than that. If your other card is 7 or lower, always hit since the Ace is either 1 or 11.
- If you get a pair of 8s, 9s, or Aces, you should always split. In case you get a pair of 10s, simply stand. 20 is an amazing hand!
Takeaways
Learn the Rules: Begin your blackjack journey by mastering the game's rules, including card values, hand rankings, and how to navigate through various in-game decisions. A strong understanding of the rules sets the stage for your success.
Master Basic Strategy: Learning and consistently applying basic strategy forms the cornerstone of your blackjack success. This fundamental strategy minimizes the house edge and guides your decisions in various game situations. If you are comfortable with your play, try advanced strategies to enhance your potential wins.
Bet Wisely: Practice prudent bankroll management by setting limits on your bets, learning when to double down, and, most importantly, knowing when to quit.
Be Aware of Variations: While intriguing blackjack variations exist, exercise caution when choosing them. Some variations may carry higher house edges or unfavorable rules. As a beginner, we recommend you stick to the classic version with player-friendly rules for better odds.
Play fair: In live casinos, adhere to the casino's terms and conditions, policies, and guidelines. Cheating, using software, or any unethical practices are strictly prohibited and can lead to severe consequences. Maintain a fair and honest approach to the game.
With these fundamentals in place, you're well on your way to becoming a blackjack blackbelt! Now, it’s time to hit the tables, practice your play, and chase those 21s. If you're looking for the best live blackjack games, try MrWest’s huge live casino selection. Good luck!
Well, that’s about it. Read the rules and strategies carefully, check out Blackjack Apprenticeship's chart guide for basic strategy (source below)4 and start playing! With this information, you’re bound to become a better Blackjack player. Good luck!
Responsible Gaming Advisory:
At MrWest, we are dedicated to endorsing responsible gaming as an integral part of our customer care and ethos. We aim for you to enjoy your casino experience while fully aware of the risks of problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addictive gambling behaviors, please reach out:
- Gambling Therapy: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
- Gamblers Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
- Responsible Gaming: http://www.responsiblegambling.org/
Sources referenced:
- Blackjack Apprenticeship: How to Play (and Win) at Blackjack: The Expert’s Guide, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PljDuynF-j0, (2018)
- Beat the Dealer - Thorp.pdf, https://www.scribd.com/document/441764282/Beat-the-Dealer-Thorp-pdf
- Never Split Tens! A Biographical Novel of Blackjack Game Theorist Edward O. Thorp PLUS Tips and Techniques to Help You Win | Leslie M. Golden (auth.), https://b-ok.xyz/book/3394835/2a0b04https://www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BJA_Basic_Strategy.jpg
And if you'd like to check out an up to date website dedicated exclusively to the topic of blackjack, such as a blackjack blog and blackjack related guides, we recommend one of the following sources:
- Blackjackreview.com,
- Blackjackchamp.com,
- Blackjackgala.com.
- Blackwood, K. (2005). Play blackjack like the Pros. HarperResource.
- Renzey, F. (2006). Blackjack Bluebook II: The simplest winning strategies ever published. Blackjack Mentor Press.