Blackjack
Card Games · 11 specs
Direct Answer
Blackjack (21) is a casino banking game where players compete against the dealer to achieve a hand value closer to 21 without exceeding it (busting). Standard rules payout natural Blackjacks at 3:2, require dealers to stand on hard 17 (and often soft 17), allow doubling down on initial two-card totals, and offer 2:1 insurance against a dealer Ace.
Source: Nevada Gaming Control Board / International Casino Standards · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Standard Shoe Size | 6 to 8 decks (52 cards each) |
| Natural Blackjack Payout | 3:2 (Standard) vs 6:5 (Unfavorable) |
| Card Values (2–10) | Face Value (2–10) |
| Face Cards (J, Q, K) | 10 points each |
| Ace Value | 1 or 11 (Soft Hand) |
| Dealer Standing Rule | Stands on 17 (Soft 17 varies by table) |
| Insurance Payout | 2:1 against dealer Blackjack |
| Double Down Option | Permitted on 2 cards (1 card dealt) |
| Splitting Pairs | Permitted up to 3–4 hands |
| Split Aces Restriction | 1 card dealt per Ace (no re-split) |
| Base House Edge | 0.4% to 0.6% with Basic Strategy |
Core Objective & Card Values
The player's goal is to beat the dealer by having a higher hand total without exceeding 21:
- Cards 2 through 10 carry face value.
- Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 10 points.
- Aces count as 1 or 11, whichever is more beneficial. A hand with an Ace counted as 11 is called a 'Soft' hand (e.g., Ace + 6 = Soft 17).
- Natural Blackjack: An Ace and any 10-value card dealt as the initial two cards. Beats any 21-point total achieved through 3 or more cards.
Standard Player Actions
- Hit: Request an additional card.
- Stand: Keep current total and end turn.
- Double Down: Double original wager in exchange for exactly one additional card.
- Split: If dealt two identical rank cards (e.g., 8-8), the player may post an equal second bet to split into two separate hands.
- Surrender: Available at some tables; forfeit half the wager before drawing to fold a weak hand against a strong dealer upcard.
The 3:2 vs. 6:5 Blackjack Payout Trap
Standard blackjack pays 3:2 on a natural blackjack (\15 on a 10 bet). Some modern tables pay 6:5 (\12 on a 10 bet). Playing on a 6:5 table increases the house edge by approximately 1.4%, drastically reducing player return. Players should strictly seek 3:2 payout tables.
Dealer Rules: Soft 17 (H17 vs. S17)
- Stand on Soft 17 (S17): Dealer must stand on all 17s. This is player-favorable (reduces house edge by ~0.2%).
- Hit on Soft 17 (H17): Dealer must hit Ace-6 and stand only on hard 17 or higher. Increases house advantage.