Key takeaways
- Blackjack is the only common table game where your decisions change the house edge.
- Basic strategy is the mathematically best play for every hand and can cut the edge to about 0.5%.
- Always choose 3:2 blackjack payouts over 6:5.
- Insurance is a bad bet for players who aren't counting cards.
Blackjack is the thinking player's table game. Unlike baccarat or roulette, every choice you make after the deal changes your odds. The good news is that the right choice for every hand has already been worked out. It's called basic strategy.
Blackjack rules in 60 seconds
- You and the dealer each get two cards. One dealer card is face-up.
- Number cards count at face value, face cards count 10, Aces count 1 or 11.
- You want to beat the dealer's total without going over 21 ("busting").
- An Ace plus a 10-value card on the first two cards is a blackjack.
- The dealer must follow fixed rules, usually drawing to 16 and standing on 17.
Your options
Hit takes another card. Stand keeps your total. Double down doubles your bet for exactly one more card. Split turns a pair into two separate hands. Some tables also allow surrender, where you give up half your bet.
Basic strategy: the core rules
A full strategy chart covers every hand, but these rules capture most of the value for a typical multi-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17:
| Your hand | Dealer shows | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Hard 17+ | Any | Stand |
| Hard 13–16 | 2–6 | Stand |
| Hard 13–16 | 7–Ace | Hit |
| Hard 12 | 4–6 | Stand (otherwise hit) |
| 11 | 2–10 | Double |
| 10 | 2–9 | Double |
| Soft 18 (A-7) | 9, 10, Ace | Hit |
| Pair of Aces or 8s | Any | Always split |
| Pair of 10s or 5s | Any | Never split |
For a chart matched to your exact table rules, use the free basic strategy calculator from Wizard of Odds. Most casinos allow you to keep a strategy card at the table.
Table rules that change your odds
| Rule | Effect on player |
|---|---|
| Blackjack pays 6:5 instead of 3:2 | About 1.4% worse |
| Dealer hits soft 17 | About 0.2% worse |
| Double after split allowed | About 0.14% better |
| Late surrender allowed | Slightly better |
| Fewer decks | Slightly better |
The single biggest rule to check is the blackjack payout. Skip 6:5 tables whenever you can.
Should you take insurance?
When the dealer shows an Ace, you'll be offered "insurance". It's a side bet that the dealer has blackjack, paying 2:1. For a normal player it's a losing bet over time, so basic strategy says never take it, even when you have a blackjack yourself ("even money").
Common beginner mistakes
- Standing on 12–16 against a dealer 7 or higher out of fear of busting.
- Splitting 10s because two 10s "look strong". 20 is already a great hand.
- Not doubling 11 because it feels risky.
- Raising bets after losses to "win it back". Read our bankroll guide for a better approach.
Want to understand why small percentages matter so much? Read House Edge Explained, then compare blackjack with other games in our table games guide. The history of blackjack is also worth a read.
Frequently asked questions
Is card counting illegal?
Card counting with your own memory is not a crime, but casinos can refuse service to players they suspect of counting. It is also ineffective against continuous shuffling machines and most online games.
What is a soft hand in blackjack?
A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11, such as Ace-6 (soft 17). It cannot bust with one more card, which is why it is played differently from a hard total.
Why is 6:5 blackjack bad?
A 6:5 payout gives you ₱1,200 instead of ₱1,500 on a ₱1,000 blackjack, increasing the house edge by about 1.4 percentage points.
Keep reading
- House Edge Explained: Why Small Percentages Matter at the Table
- Bankroll Management for Table Games: A Simple Plan That Works
- Casino Poker Table Games: Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud and Hold'em
- The Best Table Games for Filipino Players in 2026
- The Complete Table Games Guide
- Table Games Glossary
AI-assisted content: This page was drafted with the help of AI tools, then reviewed, fact-checked and edited by Jash Jacinto. Game rules and odds can vary by operator, so always check the rules shown at your table. How we create content.