Blackjack Rules Explained: Guide for Beginners on How To Play
Thinking of trying your hand at blackjack but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve never set foot in a casino or you’re just curious about how this classic card game works, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
If you’re playing online, layouts and features vary from game to game, so it might help to know the basics before considering getting stuck in. Stick around to find out more about how blackjack works, as well as how UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed casino sites work to keep blackjack games fair and secure.
How To Play Blackjack For Beginners
Blackjack is a card game played at a table, either at a venue or online. The aim is to finish with a hand closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. You play against the dealer, not other players.
To play, you place a bet and then receive two cards. The dealer also gets two cards. Your cards are usually face up, while one of the dealer’s is face down. Number cards count as their number, face cards are worth 10, and an Ace can count as 1 or 11.
On your turn, you choose whether to take another card (hit) or stick with your total (stand). Some tables also allow splitting pairs or doubling down, though exact options depend on that game’s rules. If your hand goes over 21, you “bust” and lose that round.
Online, you might see automated dealing or a live video dealer, but the core decisions are the same. Game screens show your options and table rules so you can get familiar before potentially placing a bet.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Is the Aim of Blackjack?
The main aim in blackjack is to beat the dealer’s total without going above 21. If you exceed 21, you bust and your bet for that round is lost. You are not competing with other players at the table; it is your hand versus the dealer’s.
A hand of 21 in two cards, usually an Ace with a ten-value card, is called a blackjack. This is the strongest starting hand and commonly pays 3:2, though some tables use 6:5.
Rules can differ in small ways between versions. Some use a single deck, others several, which affects the mix of cards in play. Knowing the rules of your chosen table could help you understand how decisions and payouts are handled.
How Does Card Value Work in Blackjack?
Each card has a clear point value, making the arithmetic straightforward.
Number cards from 2 to 10 are worth the number shown. Jacks, Queens and Kings each count as 10. An Ace can be 1 or 11, whichever benefits your hand. For instance, an Ace with a 5 can be 6 or 16.
Some online games use multiple decks rather than one. That does not change how cards are valued, but it does alter how often particular cards can appear during ongoing play.
Step-By-Step Guide to Playing a Round
- Place Bets – Players bet within table limits.
- Deal Cards – Each player and the dealer get 2 cards; one dealer card is face down.
- Player Actions – In turn, choose to:
- Hit: Take a card (risk bust).
- Stand: Keep your hand.
- Split: Separate a pair into two hands (extra bet).
- Double Down: Double your bet for one extra card.
- Dealer Plays – Reveal hidden card and draw to required total.
- Resolve Hands –
- Dealer busts → remaining players win.
- Otherwise → compare hands; pay winners.
- Payout – Online: automatic. In-person: dealer settles bets.
Key Terms You Need to Know
Here are some simple words and phrases you’ll see in blackjack, whether you’re online or at a venue:
Hand
This means the set of cards dealt to a player or the dealer.
Hit
To ask for another card to be added to your hand. This can increase your total but also risks going over 21.
Stand
To keep your hand as it is and not take any more cards.
Split
If you get two cards with the same value, you can split them into two separate hands. A new bet equal to your original one is usually needed.
Double Down
You double your bet and agree to take only one more card, finishing your turn for that hand.
Bust
This happens when your cards add up to more than 21. Your bet is lost for that round.
Blackjack
A starting hand made up of an Ace and a ten-point card (10, Jack, Queen or King). Often pays better than other winning hands.
Push
This is when your hand totals the same as the dealer’s. Your bet is returned.
When Does the Dealer Have to Draw or Stand?
The dealer follows fixed rules that do not change based on how players act. In most games, the dealer draws to 16 and stands on 17 or higher. There is no personal choice involved.
Some versions treat a “soft 17” differently. A soft 17 is any 17 that includes an Ace counted as 11, such as Ace and 6. Depending on the table, the dealer may have to stand on soft 17 or draw one more card. This rule is normally shown on the table layout or in the game details.
If you are playing online, the software follows these rules exactly as set out. The help section usually lists the dealer rules for that specific game.
What Are the Most Common Blackjack Table Rules?
Most tables share a familiar framework. You will see clearly marked minimum and maximum bets, the number of decks in use, and whether the dealer stands on all 17s or hits soft 17. Players receive two cards face up, while the dealer takes one face up and one face down.
The standard actions are hit or stand, with many tables also allowing splits and doubles on certain hands. A blackjack usually pays 3:2, though some games pay 6:5. If your total matches the dealer’s, it is a push and your stake is returned.
Any variations to these basics are displayed on the table or in the on-screen rules, so a quick glance at that information will usually tell you how that version runs.
How Do Betting Limits Work in Blackjack?
Betting limits set the range you can stake per hand, helping you choose a table that suits your comfort level. In venues, limits are printed on the layout, for example “£5 minimum to £100 maximum”. Online, limits appear near the betting area before you place chips.
Some sites offer very low stakes, sometimes around £1 per round, while higher-limit tables might allow £1000 or more. If you split or double down, your total stake for that hand can increase.
Is Blackjack a Game of Skill or Chance?
Blackjack combines elements of chance and decision-making. The cards dealt to both you and the dealer are random, and there is no way for a player to influence the order in which they appear.
Once the cards are dealt, players make choices such as hitting, standing, splitting, or doubling down. Understanding these options and how they interact with the rules of the table could help you make informed decisions, though it is important to remember that no strategy can guarantee a specific outcome on any hand.
Whether playing online or in a casino, this mix of randomness and decision-making remains consistent. This structure allows players to engage with the game while following a clear set of rules, without implying any expectation of winning.
Play Blackjack Online
If you’re intrigued by blackjack and would like to learn more, Ivy Casino offers a straightforward place to start. Sign up to browse a range of blackjack tables, each with clear rules and limits. Games are licensed and regulated in the UK, with fairness checks and player safety tools available.
Alongside our variety of blackjack tables, we also offer a wide range of online slot games, slingo games, and other table games such as roulette. Low-stake options are available, so you can pick a level that suits your own comfort and budget.
The game library is easy to navigate, making it simple to compare features before you join a table. Our support team is on hand if you have questions about games or your account, and registration is simple to complete.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.