Master the fundamentals of blackjack, from basic rules to advanced strategies
Blackjack is a card game where the goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Unlike other casino games, blackjack combines skill with luck, making it one of the few games where players can gain an advantage through proper strategy.
Hands without an Ace, or where the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting. Examples: 10-6 (hard 16), A-7-9 (hard 17).
Hands containing an Ace that can be counted as 11 without busting. Examples: A-6 (soft 17), A-4 (soft 15).
Two cards of the same rank that can potentially be split. Examples: 8-8, A-A, 10-K.
Request another card. Use when your hand total is low and you need to get closer to 21.
Keep your current hand total. Use when you're satisfied with your hand or risk busting.
Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Best used on strong starting hands like 11 or 10.
When dealt a pair, split into two separate hands. Each hand gets an additional card and is played independently.
Forfeit half your bet and end the hand immediately. Used in very unfavorable situations.
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every possible hand in blackjack. It's based on computer simulations of millions of hands and reduces the house edge to its minimum possible value (typically 0.5% or less).
Decision: Stand
The dealer has a weak upcard and is likely to bust. Don't risk busting your own hand.
Decision: Hit
Soft 18 is not strong enough against a dealer 9. Hit to try to improve.
Decision: Double Down
11 is the best doubling hand, and dealer 5 is a weak upcard.
Card counting is a strategy used to determine when the remaining cards in the deck favor the player or the dealer. It's not about memorizing every card, but rather tracking the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining.
The most popular and effective counting system for beginners:
Count Value: +1
These cards help the dealer and hurt the player when removed from the deck.
Count Value: 0
These cards have minimal impact on the game's dynamics.
Count Value: -1
These cards favor the player when they remain in the deck.
Running Count: The ongoing tally of card values as they're dealt.
True Count: Running count divided by the number of decks remaining. This gives a more accurate picture in multi-deck games.
Running Count: +8
Decks Remaining: 2
True Count: +8 ÷ 2 = +4
Even with perfect basic strategy and card counting skills, poor bankroll management can lead to ruin. Proper bankroll management ensures you can weather the inevitable losing streaks and capitalize on winning opportunities.
Vary your bet size based on the true count:
Use our interactive trainers to develop your skills: