Strategy guide
Blackjack decoded.
Beat the dealer and aim for a perfect 21.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Best for
- Low house edge
- Key tips
- 4
- 01
Introduction
Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino when played with correct basic strategy here's how to play every hand optimally.
- 02
How to play
You're dealt two cards and compete against the dealer's hand, not other players. Get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Face cards count as 10, aces as 1 or 11.
- 03
Rules
A two-card 21 (an ace plus a 10-value card) is a natural blackjack, usually paying 3:2. Hit to take another card, or stand to keep your total. Double down to double your bet and take exactly one more card. Split pairs into two hands if your first two cards match in value.
- 04
Odds and house edge
Played with perfect basic strategy, blackjack's house edge falls to around 0.5%, among the best odds on the casino floor. Play by 'gut feel' instead and the edge can climb above 2%.
- 05
Common mistakes
Taking 'insurance' when the dealer shows an ace is a common trap it's a side bet with a high house edge and basic strategy says to skip it almost always.