After the initial deal, players decide how to play their hand based on their total and the dealer’s visible card. They can choose to hit, which means taking another card, or stand, which means keeping their current total. In some cases, players can double down, which allows them to double their original bet in exchange for committing to receive only one additional card. Another option is splitting, available when the first two cards are of the same value. Splitting divides the pair into two separate hands, each with its own bet, giving the player two opportunities to win. Some variations also allow surrender, where a player forfeits half their bet and ends the hand early if they believe their chances of winning are low. Once all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals the hole card and plays according to fixed rules, typically hitting until reaching a total of 17 or higher.
A natural blackjack occurs when a player’s first two cards consist of an ace and a 10-value card, totaling 21. This is the best possible hand and usually pays out at 3:2, meaning a $10 bet would win $15. However, some casinos offer reduced payouts of 6:5, which significantly increases the house edge. The house edge in blackjack is generally lower than in most casino games, often around 0.5% when players use basic strategy. This low house advantage is one reason blackjack is so popular among strategic players who want better odds. However, without strategy, the house edge increases, making it important for players to understand optimal decision-making.
Basic strategy in blackjack is a mathematically derived set of guidelines that tells players the best action to take in every possible situation based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard. For example, if a player has a total of 16 and the dealer shows a 10, basic strategy usually recommends hitting because standing would likely result in losing against the dealer’s strong position. Conversely, if the dealer shows a weak card like 5 or 6, standing on a lower total may be the better option because the dealer has a higher chance of busting. Learning basic strategy does not guarantee wins, but it significantly reduces the house edge and improves long-term outcomes.
Beyond basic strategy, some players attempt card counting, a technique used to track the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck. When more high-value cards remain, the player has a better chance of getting blackjack or strong totals, while the dealer is more likely to bust. Card counting does not involve memorizing every card but rather assigning simple values to cards and keeping a running count. Although card counting is not illegal, casinos discourage it and may ask suspected counters to leave. The concept of card counting gained mainstream attention through books and films such as 21, which dramatized the true story of a group of students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology who successfully used card counting techniques in casinos.
