Online blackjack: rules and basic strategy
In short
In blackjack your aim is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Picture cards are worth 10 and an ace counts as 1 or 11. A blackjack, an ace plus a 10-value card with your first two cards, usually pays 3 to 2.
Card values
Cards 2 to 10 are worth their number. Jack, queen and king are worth 10. An ace is worth 11 or 1, whichever suits the hand.
How a round works
Each player and the dealer get two cards, and one of the dealer's cards is face up. On your turn you choose:
- Hit: take another card.
- Stand: keep your hand.
- Double: double your stake and take one more card.
- Split: split a pair into two hands.
Who wins
Go over 21 and you bust, losing straight away. If the dealer busts, everyone still in the hand wins. Otherwise the higher total wins, and a tie (a push) returns your stake. The dealer usually has to stand on 17.
Basic strategy
Basic strategy is a chart that tells you the best move for every hand against every dealer up card. It lowers the house edge more than any other approach, but it does not remove it. The best-known rules: stand on 17 or more, and stand on 12 to 16 when the dealer shows a weak card (2 to 6).
Frequently asked questions
How do you play blackjack?
Try to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. You get two cards, then choose to hit, stand, double or split.
What does a blackjack pay?
Usually 3 to 2 on your stake. Some tables pay less, such as 6 to 5, so read the rules first.
Can you count cards online?
At software tables the cards are shuffled all the time. Live tables have their own house rules, so do not rely on it.
Is there blackjack with a real dealer?
Yes. Ashbet has live dealer blackjack tables.
Want to see how it looks on Ashbet?
More guides
These guides are general information, not financial or legal advice. Gambling is for adults aged 21 and over only, subject to the law and availability where you live. Please gamble responsibly.