Blackjack Basics: Rules, Strategy, and Common Mistakes

Blackjack is a quick and fun card game where you try to beat the dealer. Ideally, you want to get a hand value closest to 21 without going over. In this guide, you will learn the rules, the basic actions, a basic strategy to play optimally, how to choose a good table and some common pitfalls to avoid.

What Is Blackjack? A Quick Overview

Blackjack: a card game for one or more players vs a dealer, using 52 cards in the deck. Number cards valued as shown, face cards (J, Q, K) valued at 10, and Ace valued at either 1 or 11. Player wins by having a higher hand than the dealer without exceeding 21, or loses by exceeding 21, a “bust.”

Words you will see:

Hit: take one more card.
Stand: take no more cards.
Double: double your bet, take one card, then stand.
Split: if you have two same cards, split them into two hands.
Surrender: give up your hand and lose half your bet (if allowed).
Soft hand: a hand with an Ace counted as 11 (for now). Example: A-6 is “soft 17.”
Hard hand: a hand with no Ace, or the Ace must count as 1. Example: 10-7 is “hard 17.”

Here's a basic rundown of how a round works: you bet, you and the dealer get two cards (one of the dealer's cards is dealt face down, the other face up), you make your move, the dealer makes theirs (by their rules), you get paid.

The Core Rules Every Player Should Know

Most tables follow the same basic rules, but small differences go a long way.

Player actions: You can hit, stand, double, split. Surrender may be offered. Read the table sign.
Dealer rules: Some houses say “dealer stands on soft 17.” Others say “dealer hits soft 17.” If the dealer must hit soft 17, the house edge is a bit higher (about 0.2%). Source: Wizard of Odds.
Payouts for blackjack: A “blackjack” (an Ace plus a 10-value card) should pay 3:2. Some tables pay 6:5. 6:5 looks small, but it adds about 1% to 1.4% to the house edge. Avoid 6:5. Source: Wizard of Odds payout analysis.
Insurance and even money: If the dealer shows an Ace, you may take “insurance.” It is a side bet that the dealer has a 10 under. Most of the time this bet is bad for you. Skip it unless you are an expert counter. Learn more: side bets explained.
Pushes and ties: If you and the dealer have the same total, it is a “push.” You keep your bet.

Small rule notes can change the house edge a lot. For strong, neutral guides, see the UNLV Center for Gaming Research and the Wizard of Odds.

Basic Strategy Explained

UNLV Center for Gaming Research and the

Wizard of Odds.

Soft hands: Soft 13–15 (A-2 to A-4): hit. Soft 16–18 (A-5 to A-7): double vs dealer 4–6 if allowed, else hit (soft 18 stands vs 2, 7, 8; hits vs 9, 10, Ace; doubles vs 3–6 if allowed). Soft 19+ (A-8, A-9): usually stand. Double A-8 vs dealer 6 if allowed.
Soft 13–15 (A-2 to A-4): hit.
Soft 16–18 (A-5 to A-7): double vs dealer 4–6 if allowed, else hit (soft 18 stands vs 2, 7, 8; hits vs 9, 10, Ace; doubles vs 3–6 if allowed).
Soft 19+ (A-8, A-9): usually stand. Double A-8 vs dealer 6 if allowed.
Hard hands: Hard 8 or less: hit. Hard 9: double vs dealer 3–6 if allowed, else hit. Hard 10: double vs dealer 2–9 if allowed, else hit. Hard 11: double vs all except dealer Ace (some rules allow vs Ace too). Hard 12–16: stand vs dealer 2–6, hit vs 7–Ace (there are a few fine points with 12 vs 2–3 depending on rules). Hard 17+: stand.
Hard 8 or less: hit.
Hard 9: double vs dealer 3–6 if allowed, else hit.
Hard 10: double vs dealer 2–9 if allowed, else hit.
Hard 11: double vs all except dealer Ace (some rules allow vs Ace too).
Hard 12–16: stand vs dealer 2–6, hit vs 7–Ace (there are a few fine points with 12 vs 2–3 depending on rules).
Hard 17+: stand.
Pairs: Split A,A and 8,8 always. Never split 10,10 (that is a great hand) or 5,5 (treat 5,5 as hard 10; often double). Split 2,2 and 3,3 vs dealer 4–7 (and sometimes 2–3 if double after split is allowed). Split 6,6 vs dealer 2–6 (rule-dependent with 2). Split 7,7 vs dealer 2–7. Split 9,9 vs dealer 2–6 and 8–9 (stand vs 7, 10, Ace).
Split A,A and 8,8 always.
Never split 10,10 (that is a great hand) or 5,5 (treat 5,5 as hard 10; often double).
Split 2,2 and 3,3 vs dealer 4–7 (and sometimes 2–3 if double after split is allowed).
Split 6,6 vs dealer 2–6 (rule-dependent with 2).
Split 7,7 vs dealer 2–7.
Split 9,9 vs dealer 2–6 and 8–9 (stand vs 7, 10, Ace).
Surrender (if allowed): Surrender hard 16 vs dealer 9, 10, or Ace (not 8). Surrender hard 15 vs dealer 10 (in most rules).
Surrender hard 16 vs dealer 9, 10, or Ace (not 8).
Surrender hard 15 vs dealer 10 (in most rules).

Soft 13–15 (A-2 to A-4): hit.
Soft 16–18 (A-5 to A-7): double vs dealer 4–6 if allowed, else hit (soft 18 stands vs 2, 7, 8; hits vs 9, 10, Ace; doubles vs 3–6 if allowed).
Soft 19+ (A-8, A-9): usually stand. Double A-8 vs dealer 6 if allowed.

Hard 8 or less: hit.
Hard 9: double vs dealer 3–6 if allowed, else hit.
Hard 10: double vs dealer 2–9 if allowed, else hit.
Hard 11: double vs all except dealer Ace (some rules allow vs Ace too).
Hard 12–16: stand vs dealer 2–6, hit vs 7–Ace (there are a few fine points with 12 vs 2–3 depending on rules).
Hard 17+: stand.

Split A,A and 8,8 always.
Never split 10,10 (that is a great hand) or 5,5 (treat 5,5 as hard 10; often double).
Split 2,2 and 3,3 vs dealer 4–7 (and sometimes 2–3 if double after split is allowed).
Split 6,6 vs dealer 2–6 (rule-dependent with 2).
Split 7,7 vs dealer 2–7.
Split 9,9 vs dealer 2–6 and 8–9 (stand vs 7, 10, Ace).

Surrender hard 16 vs dealer 9, 10, or Ace (not 8).
Surrender hard 15 vs dealer 10 (in most rules).

Simple math insight: on a hard 16, if you hit, you bust when you draw a 6, 7, 8, 9, or any 10-value card. That is about 8 ranks out of 13, or ~62%. This looks scary. But vs a dealer 10, standing still loses more often. Basic strategy tells you to hit in that tough spot, as it loses less over time.

Note: Strategy shifts with rule sets (number of decks, dealer hits/stands on soft 17, surrender). Always use a chart that matches the table rules. For proof and charts, see Wizard of Odds basic strategy.

Bankroll Management and Table Selection

Good play is not only about the cards. It is also about money control and table choice.

Set a session bankroll: Pick an amount you can lose. Do not go over it. A simple rule is 30–50 bets for a session.
Bet size: Keep your base bet small, like 1–2% of your bankroll. This helps you ride the swings.
Table limits: Choose minimums that fit your bankroll. Do not sit at a $25 table with only $150 to play.
Rules to seek: 3:2 blackjack, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, resplit Aces if possible, surrender offered, fewer decks. These rules lower the house edge. Source: rule effects.
Pace: Online RNG games can be very fast (hundreds of hands per hour). Live dealer tables are slower. More hands per hour means more risk per hour, even with small edge. Plan your pace.

Online vs Live Blackjack: Pros, Cons, and Safety

Keep in mind that basic strategy varies based on the specific rules being played with (how many decks, hit/stand on soft 17, whether surrender is allowed, etc.). When playing, refer to a basic strategy chart that fits the rules you're playing under.

Wizard of Odds basic strategy offers this, plus explanations and proof.

Licensing matters. Play on sites with strong licenses, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or state bodies in the US like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). These groups check fairness, security, and player funds.

It's not just about the cards.

Where to Play Safely (and How to Choose a Site)

Pick a site like you would pick a bank. Check it before you trust it. Use this simple list:

License: Is the site licensed by a strong body (UKGC, MGA, US state regulators)? Check the seal and the license number on the site footer. Verify it on the regulator site.
Game rules: Look for 3:2 payouts, fair dealer rules, and clear info on splits, doubles, and surrender.
Payments: Clear fees, fast withdrawals, fair KYC. No tricks in the terms.
Support: 24/7 chat or fast email. Real help when you need it.
RG tools: Deposit limits, loss limits, time-outs, self-exclusion. Easy to find and easy to set.
Audits: Look for testing seals (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI).

Why? Online RNG games are much faster and you can play alone. You can play lots of hands. Reputable sites will have RNGs that have been independently audited. See if the RNG has been tested by the likes of:

Card Counting — What Beginners Should Know

iTech Labs

GLI

Common Blackjack Mistakes (and Fixes)

Taking insurance often: Insurance is a side bet with negative value for most players. Fix: skip it unless you are a skilled counter.
Playing 6:5 blackjack: This payout cuts your wins on naturals and raises the house edge by about 1%+. Fix: only play 3:2 tables. Source: analysis.
Ignoring dealer soft 17 rule: If the dealer hits soft 17, your odds go down a bit. Fix: prefer “dealer stands on soft 17.”
Deviating from basic strategy: “Hunch” plays feel fun but cost money. Fix: use a proper chart for your table rules.
Misplaying soft hands: Many new players stand on soft 18 vs 9 or 10. Fix: learn the few soft-hand doubles and hits that matter.
Not splitting 8,8 or A,A: These splits are core moves. Fix: always split A,A and 8,8.
Overbetting: Big bets to “win it back” can wipe you out. Fix: bet 1–2% of bankroll per hand, and stop when you hit your loss limit.
Playing too fast online: More hands per hour means more risk. Fix: slow down, use live dealer if needed, or set a hand-per-hour goal.
Not reading table signs: Small print hides key rules. Fix: always read the sign and ask the dealer to confirm.
Poor etiquette: Touching cards in a shoe game, messy chips, or unclear hand signals can cause errors. Fix: keep chips neat, use clear signals, and ask if unsure. A quick guide: UKGC player advice.

Quick Reference Tips

Choose 3:2 blackjack. Avoid 6:5.
Use a basic strategy chart that matches the table rules.
Split A,A and 8,8. Do not split 10,10 or 5,5.
Double 11 vs most dealer upcards; double 10 vs dealer 2–9.
Stand on hard 12–16 vs dealer 2–6; hit vs 7–Ace (with a few rule notes).
Avoid insurance unless you count cards.
Set a bankroll and a stop-loss before you play.
Prefer “dealer stands on soft 17,” and look for surrender.

Responsible Gambling and Legal Notes

These organisations ensure games are fair, that your money is safe, and that sites offer the best security.

Account checks: A good operator will use Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to prevent fraud and ensure responsible gambling. You should be able to set limits, use time-out and self-exclude if you need to. Information about tools for players can be found at

BeGambleAware (UK)
GamCare (UK)
National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
UK Gambling Commission player info

GamCare.

FAQ

Is blackjack luck or skill?

Look before you leap.

What is the best basic strategy?

The best strategy is the chart that matches your table rules (decks, soft 17, surrender). Use it to know when to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender. See this guide.

Can I win long term at blackjack?

Most players will not win long term. With perfect basic strategy, the house still has a small edge. Card counters can gain a tiny edge, but it is hard, needs skill and a big bankroll, and casinos may stop you.

Should I take insurance?

Even if you do count in a brick and mortar establishment, you still need to know and apply perfect basic strategy, have incredible concentration, and have a large bankroll to weather the variance. It's not a fast track. See

What is the difference between 3:2 and 6:5 payouts?

UNLV Center for Gaming Research for more information on counting's history and mathematics.

What is surrender in blackjack?

Surrender lets you fold a bad hand and lose half your bet instead of all. It is best with some hard 15 and 16 hands vs strong dealer upcards.

Conclusion

Blackjack is simple to learn and deep to master. Know the rules, use basic strategy, pick good tables, and guard your bankroll. Avoid common traps like 6:5 payouts and insurance. If you want help comparing safe, licensed sites and their table rules, check the reviews at odds.ph/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">odds.ph. Play legal, play safe, and have fun.

Sources and further reading: Wizard of Odds, UNLV Center for Gaming Research, UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, New Jersey DGE, eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, BeGambleAware, GamCare, NCPG US.

Laws on betting vary by country and state. Betting age is 18+ in some countries and 21+ in others. Only bet in places where it is legal. Set a time and money limit. Take a break when betting is no longer fun.