Blackjack

Every rule on this table leans the player's way: naturals pay the full 3:2 (never 6:5), the dealer stands on all 17s, you can double any first two cards — including after a split — and a bad deal can be surrendered for half the bet back. Played by the book, the house edge here is about half a percent.

Blackjack is a card game between you and the dealer. Build a hand closer to 21 than the dealer's — without going over. Number cards score at face value, face cards count 10, and an ace is worth 1 or 11, whichever helps you most.

Place a bet to start the round. You and the dealer each get two cards; yours are face-up, the dealer's second card stays hidden. If your total goes over 21, you bust and lose the bet immediately. Once you finish, the dealer flips their hidden card and draws until reaching 17 or more. Beat their total and you win even money; land a natural blackjack — ace plus a ten-value card — and you win 3:2.

1. Always split aces and eights. Aces give you two shots at 21; two eights make a weak 16 that's almost always better split into two hands.
2. Never split fives or tens. Two fives total a strong 10 — better to double. Splitting tens breaks up a 20, the second-best hand in the game.
3. Double on 11. One card from 21 with a four-in-thirteen chance of getting it. Double whenever the dealer shows 2 through 10.
4. Hit 12–16 when the dealer shows 7+. A strong dealer up-card will likely make 17–21 anyway. Take the risk.
5. Stand on 12–16 when the dealer shows 2–6. Weak up-cards bust often. Let them.
6. Skip insurance — almost always. At any normal count it's a losing side bet. The rare exception is a sky-high count, and the coach will tell you when.
7. Never deviate from basic strategy on a hunch. Every chart move is the mathematically best decision given the cards. Hunches cost money.

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