Blackjack Basics
Learn the fundamental rules before mastering the strategy.
Game Objective
The goal of blackjack is simple: beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.
How You Win
- Your hand value is higher than the dealer's (and ≤ 21).
- The dealer's hand goes over 21 ("busts").
- You get 21 on the first two cards ("Blackjack").
How You Lose
- Your hand value goes over 21 ("bust").
- The dealer's hand is higher than yours (and ≤ 21).
Card Values
2-9
Face Value
Worth their number.
K
Face Cards (10, J, Q, K)
Worth 10 points.
A
Ace
Worth 1 or 11.
Player Actions
H
Hit
Take another card. You can hit as many times as you like until you stand or bust.
S
Stand
End your turn and keep your current total.
D
Double Down
Double your initial bet, take exactly one more card, and then stand.
S
Split
If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands (requires a second bet).
Dealer Rules
The dealer has no free will. They must play according to strict rules:
- Hit on any total of 16 or less.
- Stand on any total of 17 or more (including "soft 17" in most standard games, though some variations exist).