How to Play Blackjack – A Beginner’s Guide

Ready to test your luck and skill at one of the most thrilling games in the casino? Enter Blackjack, where your mission is simple: outsmart the dealer without busting over 21. 

Whether you’re a newbie looking to impress your friends or an experienced player sharpening your strategy, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play like a pro.

So, grab your chips, shuffle the cards, and let’s dive into the nitty gritty!

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. Unlike poker, where you play against other participants, blackjack is a battle between you and the dealer. 

Your goal is simple: beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Sounds easy, right? But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Basic Blackjack Rules

The rules of blackjack are straightforward. Both the player and the dealer receive two cards. 

The player’s cards are both face-up, while the dealer shows one card (called the “up card”) and keeps the other hidden (the “hole card”). The player goes first and decides how to play based on the strength of their hand.

• If you get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, you win.
• If you go over 21 (bust), you automatically lose.
• If the dealer goes over 21, the dealer busts, and you win as long as you haven’t busted first.

Now, let’s break it down further.

Card Values in Blackjack

Card values in blackjack are straightforward, but they play a crucial role in strategy:

• Number cards (2-10): Worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each worth 10 points.
• Aces: Worth either 1 or 11 points, whichever benefits your hand.

So, for example, if you have an Ace and a 7, your hand can be either 8 or 18. The flexibility of the Ace makes it one of the most powerful cards in the game.

How the Game is Played

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how a typical round of blackjack works:

Player’s Turn

After receiving your two cards, you have a few options:

1. Hit: Take another card to get closer to 21. Be careful though—go over 21 and you bust!
2. Stand: Stay with your current hand if you feel it’s strong enough.
3. Double Down: Double your bet in exchange for one more card. You can only do this on your first two cards, and after that, you’re stuck with whatever you get.
4. Split: If you have two cards of the same value (e.g., two 8s), you can split them into two hands, placing an additional bet equal to your original one.

Dealer’s Turn

Once all players have finished their turns, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must continue hitting until they reach at least 17. Here’s the kicker: even if both you and the dealer bust, the dealer wins because you bust first.

Winning, Losing, and Pushing

At the end of the blackjack round:

• Win: You get paid 1:1 if you beat the dealer.
• Lose: You lose your bet if the dealer’s hand is stronger or if you bust.
• Push: You tie with the dealer, and your bet is returned.

Natural Blackjack

The best possible hand in blackjack is called a “natural” or simply, a blackjack. This occurs when you’re dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) on your first two cards. When this happens, you’re automatically paid 3:2, unless the dealer also has a blackjack—then it’s a push.

But beware: some casinos offer a sneaky 6:5 payout for blackjack, which drastically increases the house edge. Avoid these games at all costs and stick to trusted AU online casinos that offer the regular 3:2 payout.

Basic Strategy

If you’re serious about blackjack, it’s a good idea to learn the basic strategy. This is a mathematically proven set of rules for every possible situation in blackjack. For example:

• Always hit when you have 12-16 and the dealer shows a 7 or higher.
• Always stand when you have 17 or higher.
• Double down on 11 if the dealer has a 10 or lower.

Basic strategy won’t make you a guaranteed winner, but it cuts down the house edge significantly, giving you a fighting chance.

Card Counting and Advanced Play

Here’s where the real fun starts. Card counting is a technique used by professional blackjack players to gain an edge over the house. 

By keeping track of which cards have been played, players can estimate the likelihood of high or low cards coming next. When done correctly, card counting can turn the odds in your favour.

Contrary to popular belief, card counting isn’t illegal—it’s just highly discouraged by casinos. So, while you can’t be arrested for it, don’t be surprised if the pit boss shows you the door if you’re caught.

It’s also worth noting that card counting is not possible to do at online casinos, as nearly all live dealer blackjack games reshuffle the shoe halfway through, which doesn’t give you enough time to figure out whether the deck is hot or cold.

Ready to Beat the Dealer to 21?

While blackjack is a simple game at its core, it requires skill, discipline, and practice to play well. Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:

• Always use basic strategy when playing.
• Avoid emotional betting and stick to a budget.
• Never take insurance—it’s a sucker’s bet unless you’re counting cards.

And most importantly, have fun! 

Whether you’re playing for real money or just for entertainment, blackjack is one of the most exciting and rewarding games you can play at the casino. So, pull up a chair, place your bets, and may the cards be ever in your favour!