
Rules of Blackjack : You Must Know
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Key Blackjack Rules: Your Full Guide

Main Goals
Win over the dealer without going over 21 points. This main aim guides every move at the blackjack game. Players face the dealer, not each other.
Card Worth 온카스터디
- Number cards (2-10): Equal to their number
- Face cards (J,Q,K): All are 10
- Aces: Can be 1 or 11
- Natural Blackjack: Ace plus any card with 10
Main Game Moves
- Hit: Get more cards
- Stand: Keep your cards
- Double Down: Raise your first bet to get one more card
- Split: Make two hands from matching cards
Dealer Must-Dos
- Hit if 16 or less
- Stand if 17 or more
- No choice in moves
- Show one card at the start
How You Get Paid
- Natural Blackjack: Pays 3:2
- Normal Win: Pays 1:1
- Push: A tie means you get your bet back
- Bust: Lose your bet if over 21
These basic blackjack rules set up how to build good play methods and win more at the casino.
Card Worth and Scores
Know Your Blackjack Card Values and Scores
Basic Card Values in Blackjack
Number cards (2-10) match their numbers in points.
Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) score 10 points each.
The Ace stands out as a key card worth 1 or 11 points, changing to help your hand.
How to Score Your Hand
To find your hand’s score, add the card values. For example:
- 7 + Jack = 17 points
- Ace + Queen = Soft 21
- 8 + 9 = 17 points
Soft vs Hard Hands
A soft hand has an Ace counted as 11, which helps since the Ace can turn to 1 if you might bust.
A hard hand has no Ace, or the Ace counts as 1 so you don’t go over 21.
Key Score Limits
- Bust: Any hand over 21 points
- Natural Blackjack: An Ace plus any 10-point card first up
- Target Score: 21 points
- Winning Aim: Get more points than the dealer without busting
Knowing these score basics is key to making strong blackjack moves and winning more at the tables.
Player and Dealer Moves
Must-Know Blackjack Player and Dealer Moves
Player Moves in Blackjack
Once you have your first two cards, five key actions are open during the game:
- Hit: Ask for another card to up your total
- Stand: Keep your hand as is and end your turn
- Double Down: Double your first bet for just one more card
- Split: Make two hands from matching cards by matching your first bet
- Surrender: Give up half your bet and end the hand (if allowed)
Smart Player Choices
Knowing when to make each move is key for the best game.
Hitting lets you improve your hand but be careful of going over 21.
Standing is good when getting better looks slim.
Doubling down raises your chance to win more on strong first hands, while splitting pairs gives more ways to win.
Dealer Must-Dos and Can’t-Dos
Dealers follow set rules different from player choices:
- Must hit on 16 or less
- Must stand on 17 or more
- Some places need a hit on soft 17 (Ace plus 6)
- Can’t double down, split pairs, or give up
- Must play hands by the house rules
These set dealer moves make the game fair and make sure all hands have a set edge for the house.
Bets and How You Get Paid
Guide to Blackjack Bets and Payouts

Normal Bets and Payouts
Players must lay their first bet before any cards come out, sticking to the table’s least and most bet limits.
A winning hand in the usual way gives a 1:1 payout, doubling your bet.
Natural Blackjack Wins
A natural blackjack (ace plus ten-value card) often gives players a 3:2 payout ratio. For instance, a $10 bet gets you $15 back.
If both you and the dealer have blackjack, it’s a push, giving you your bet back.
Insurance and Extra Bets
When the dealer shows an ace, players can choose insurance, a side bet that’s half your first bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer gets a blackjack.
More Betting Moves
Smart betting choices include:
- Splitting pairs: Needs a bet matching the first one
- Doubling down: Asks for another bet just like the first
- Both choices up your chance to win more with smart play
These bet basics shape the risk and reward of blackjack, giving players many ways to up their wins through smart betting.
How It Goes at the Table
Get How Blackjack at the Table Works
Must-Know Before You Play
Before you sit at a blackjack table, get to know the normal game steps.
The set order makes sure the game runs smooth and right at the casino.
Play It Round by Round
First, You Bet
Players lay their bets in the marked bet area before cards come out. This sets your part in the round and must be done before the dealer starts to deal.
How Cards Come Out
The dealer deals in a set clockwise way:
- First round: One card face-up to each player and the dealer
- Second round: More face-up cards to players, face-down card (secret card) to dealer
Your Move
When it’s your turn, pick one of these smart choices:
- Hit: Ask for more cards
- Stand: Keep your hand
- Double Down: Double your bet for one card
- Split: Make two hands from matching cards
Use clear hand moves more than words to show your pick.
Dealer Wraps It Up
After all players are set, the dealer:
- Shows their secret card
- Follows must-dos: hit on 16 or less, stand on 17 or more
- Handles all bets based on hand scores
End of Round
The dealer sorts out all payouts and takes, making the table ready for the next round.
Common Hand Moves
Need-to-Know Blackjack Hand Moves Guide
Main Moves for Normal Play
Blackjack hand moves are known by all and make sure everyone gets what’s going on.
These set moves keep the game fair and quick at all casino tables.
Hitting and Staying Moves
Table moves change if cards are shown or kept hidden:
- Hit move: Tap the table or wave towards you
- Stay move: Wave your hand flat over your cards
- Hidden games: Move cards to hit, push under chips to stay
More Playing Picks
Double Down and Split Moves
Double down steps need two clear acts:
- Put a matching bet next to the first one
- Point with one finger to show double down choice
Split pairs move calls for:
- Same bet amount
- Show two fingers apart to say you want to split
Extra Table Moves
Give up sign, where you can:
- Make a line behind your bet area
- Check if the casino lets you give up, as not all do
These set casino moves stop mix-ups, speed up the game, and make sure you play your hand right at the blackjack table.
Dealer Musts and Mustn’ts
Know Casino Dealer Musts and Mustn’ts
Main Rules for Dealers
Dealers must stick to set must-dos for hitting and standing, not like players who can pick their move.
These must-dos make sure the game is the same at all tables.
What Dealers Need
- 16 or Less: Dealers must hit and get another card
- 17 or More: Dealers must stay and get no more cards
- Soft 17 Rule: Special rules apply when holding an Ace and Six
Dealers use a set counting way for hands with Aces.
The Ace counts as 11 unless that would make you bust, then it’s 1. For example:
- Ace + 3 + 8: Ace is 1 for a total of 12
- Ace + 6: Counts as soft 17
- Ace + 3: Counts as soft 14
Changes by Casino
The soft 17 rule changes by place: How Poker Rooms Differ From Regular Casino Floors, Atmosphere and Strategy
- Some casinos make dealers hit on soft 17
- Others make them stay on soft 17
Players should check the rules where they play.
These set ways stop dealers from picking what to do and keep the game fair for all hands played.