How to Play Blackjack: Rules, Table Flow, and Payouts

Your goal is to finish with a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer—without going over 21. If you go over 21, you ‘bust’ and lose immediately. The dealer plays after all players finish.

A ‘blackjack’ is a special hand: an Ace plus a 10-value card (10, J, Q, K) on the initial deal. In most good games, blackjack pays 3:2—meaning a $10 bet wins $15. Some casinos offer 6:5 blackjack, which pays $12 on a $10 bet. That rule change alone is a major downgrade because it reduces your best payout and increases the house edge.

Remember: the dealer is not ‘trying to beat you with skill.’ The dealer follows fixed rules. You’re the only one making meaningful choices.

1. Place your bet. Each player bets in the betting circle.
2. The dealer deals cards. Most games: two cards to each player, two to dealer.
3. Dealer shows an upcard. One dealer card is face up (the ‘upcard’).
4. Players act one at a time. Starting left of the dealer, each player chooses actions.
5. Dealer plays last. Dealer reveals hole card and hits/stands based on house rules.
6. Settle bets. Compare totals and pay wins / collect losses.

This flow matters because it explains why you might see people ‘wait’ to act: they’re thinking, checking the dealer’s upcard, and choosing the best play for that exact situation.

Most of your EV comes from using the right option at the right time. Here’s what each action does:

• Hit: take another card. You can hit multiple times until you stand or bust.
• Stand: stop taking cards and keep your current total.
• Double down: double your bet, take exactly one more card, then stand. Doubling is a power move: you use it when your hand is favored to improve with one card.
• Split: if your first two cards are the same rank (like 8-8), split them into two hands. You place a second bet equal to your first, and play each hand separately.
• Surrender (if offered): give up your hand immediately and lose half your bet. This can be the best choice in a few ugly spots because it reduces your losses.

A beginner mistake is to treat these options like ‘feelings’ ("I don’t want to bust"). A trained player uses them like tools: the right tool for the right math situation. That’s what basic strategy teaches.

Dealers do not choose freely. They follow house rules. Typical rules:

• Dealer must hit until they reach 17 or more.
• Dealer must stand on 17 or more—unless the casino uses “H17” (hit soft 17).
• Dealer cannot double or split decisions the way players do (except some variations).

The dealer’s upcard is your clue about their likely final total. When the dealer shows a 2 through 6, the dealer is more likely to bust (because those cards force the dealer to hit). When the dealer shows 7 through Ace, the dealer is more likely to make a strong hand. Basic strategy adjusts your play to these probabilities.

At the end of a hand:

• If you bust, you lose immediately (dealer doesn’t need to finish).
• If the dealer busts and you didn’t, you win even with a low total.
• If your total is higher than the dealer without busting, you win.
• If your total is lower than the dealer without busting, you lose.
• If totals tie (like 20 vs 20), it’s a push and your bet is returned.

Blackjack (Ace + 10-value on the first two cards) usually pays 3:2. A win usually pays 1:1. Some side bets have different pay tables and are typically much worse for players.

Before you buy in, look for the rule placard and ask quick questions. The goal isn’t to be “paranoid.” It’s to avoid the worst games.

• Blackjack payout: Always prefer 3:2 over 6:5.
• Dealer soft 17: S17 is better for players than H17.
• Double rules: Can you double after splitting (DAS)? Can you double any two cards?
• Number of decks: Fewer decks is generally better, but penetration matters too.
• Surrender: If available, it can reduce losses in a few spots.

If you want to go deeper, see the rules guide: house edge and rules.