How Blackjack Works

Blackjack is a classic card game where your goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value as close to 21 as possible, without going over. Each card has a value: number cards are worth their number, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and Aces can be worth 1 or 11.

Hit: Take another card to try to get closer to 21.
Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
Double: Double your bet, take one more card, and end your turn.
Split: If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands (with an additional bet).

The dealer also plays by set rules, usually hitting until they reach 17 or higher. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's (without going over), you win! If you go over 21, you 'bust' and lose the round.

Beginner Tips

Blackjack isn't just a game of chance—strategy plays a big role in long-term success. By following these three core strategies, YOU can significantly reduce the house edge and improve your decision-making at the table.

1. Always Stand on 17 or Higher

If your hand totals 17 or more, it's generally best to stand. This is especially important when the dealer shows a strong upcard like 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace. Trying to hit with a hand like 17 or 18 is risky—there's a high chance of busting.

Why?

This is because you're in a “danger zone” where taking another card has a high chance (around 69%) of making you bust. Even a soft 17 (Ace + 6) should be played cautiously, depending on the dealer's card. If the dealer has a weak card like 4, 5, or 6, they are statistically more likely to bust. Standing on your strong hand puts pressure on the dealer to take the risk instead.

2. Hit When You Have 11 or Less

When your total is 11 or less, always hit. You can't bust, so there's no reason to avoid taking another card. The goal is to get closer to 21 without going over, and hands below 9 leave plenty of room for improvement.

Why?

At such low totals, the only way to improve your hand is by drawing more cards. Many beginners hesitate to hit for fear of busting, but with 8 or less, that's impossible with a single draw. Hitting here is essential to increase your total and stay competitive against the dealer.

3. Double Down on 11

When you're dealt a total of 11, it's one of the best times to double down—especially if the dealer shows a weak card (anything from 2 to 10). This move allows you to double your bet in exchange for receiving just one more card.

Why?

These foundational strategies can guide you through most blackjack situations. While the game still involves chance, smart decisions over time help tip the odds more in your favour.

Basic Strategy

Basic strategy is a mathematically derived decision chart that tells you the single best move — Hit, Stand, Double, or Split—for every possible combination of your hand and the dealer's up-card. It's built on millions of simulated rounds and probability calculations, with one goal: minimise the house edge in the long run.

1. Hard vs. Soft Hands

What's the difference?

Hard hand: No usable Ace (or the Ace must count as 1).
Soft hand: Contains an Ace that can count as 11 without busting (e.g., A-6 = 'soft 17').
Soft totals are treated more aggressively because you can draw another card without an immediate bust.

2. Dealer Up-Card Buckets

Why does the dealer's card matter?

Decisions hinge on the dealer's visible card, which signals bust risk:
2-3: Mild risk
4-6: High bust risk
7-9: Neutral
10-A: Favourable to dealer
You hit more against strong dealer cards (10, Ace) and stand sooner when the dealer is likely to bust (4-6).

3. Doubling Opportunities

When should you double?

Doubling turns a good expectation into a great one:
Hard 9 vs 3-6
Hard 10 vs 2-9
Hard 11 vs 2-10
Soft 13-18 vs 4-6
These scenarios maximise advantage because you're favoured to beat—or bust the dealer—with one extra card.

4. Splitting Pairs

When should you split?

Pairs are split when two separate hands outperform one strong or one weak hand. Classic rules:
Always split A-A and 8-8
Never split 5-5 or 10-10
Conditional splits for 2-2, 3-3, 6-6, 7-7, 9-9 depending on dealer's card.

5. What Basic Strategy Doesn't Do

What’s not included?

It ignores card counting, table streaks, or hunches—it purely minimises expected loss on each hand.
That turns the usual 1.5-2% house edge into roughly 0.5% (and as low as 0.2% with favourable rules).

6. Using It in Play

How do you use a strategy chart?

Locate your hand’s total on the left of a strategy chart.
Move across to the column showing the dealer's up-card.
Follow the symbol: H = Hit, S = Stand, D = Double (H if not allowed), P = Split.
Apply instantly—no second-guessing—because deviation usually costs money over time.

With perfect adherence, basic strategy gives you the statistically best shot in every standard blackjack game, converting luck into the smallest possible disadvantage.