How to Play Blackjack: 4 Easy Steps

Blackjack Playing Guide for Beginners

Blackjack is a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and luck that can be played by anyone, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner. In this four-step guide, we’ll take you through the basics of how to play blackjack, from understanding the objective of the game to determining the winner. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid foundation of knowledge to confidently step up to the blackjack table and try your luck. So, let’s dive in!

Step 1: Understanding the objective of the game
The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without exceeding 21. Each card is worth its numerical value, while face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on what is more advantageous for the player.

Step 2: Placing bets and dealing cards

After placing a bet, the dealer will deal two cards to each player and two cards to themselves, with one card facing up and the other facing down. Players can see their own cards, but only one of the dealer’s cards.

Step 3: Playing your hand

Players have several options when it is their turn to play, including “hit” (requesting another card), “stand” (keeping their current hand), “double down” (doubling their bet and receiving one more card), or “split” (dividing their hand into two separate hands if their first two cards are of the same value). Players can continue to hit until they decide to stand or their hand exceeds 21, resulting in a “bust”.

Step 4: Comparing hands and determining the winner

Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer will reveal their face-down card and must hit until their hand is worth 17 or more. If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, all remaining players win. If not, the player with the hand value closest to 21 (without exceeding it) wins. Players with a hand value lower than the dealer’s or a “bust” hand lose their bets.

It’s really that simple! Our dealers are great at teaching players the game, if you don’t know how to play, don’t worry!