Blackjack is one of the world’s best-known casino table games, combining simple rules with decisions that can influence how you play each hand. If you’re new to blackjack, understanding the card values, terminology and basic decisions is a good place to start.
The aim of blackjack is to finish with a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over 21. You aren’t simply trying to reach 21, you’re trying to beat the dealer!
This beginner’s guide from NetBet Casino explains how to play blackjack, the meaning of common blackjack terms and how basic strategy can help you make informed decisions.
How Does Blackjack Work?
A typical blackjack hand begins when you place your bet. You and the dealer then receive two cards.
Your cards are normally visible, while the dealer has one visible card and another card that is hidden, depending on the specific rules.
You then decide what to do with your hand. Common options include:
- Hit – take another card.
- Stand – keep your current hand and take no more cards.
- Double down – increase your original bet, usually in return for taking exactly one more card.
- Split – separate a matching pair into two individual hands, placing an additional bet.
- Surrender – where available, give up the hand and receive part of your original stake back.
The available actions and rules can vary between blackjack games, so check the individual game’s information before playing.
Blackjack Card Values Explained
Understanding blackjack card values is pretty straightforward.
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2–9 | Face value |
| 10, Jack, Queen, King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
An Ace is particularly important because it can have two values.
For example, an Ace and a 6 can be worth either 7 or 17. Because the Ace can count as 11 without busting, this is known as a soft 17.
An Ace and a 10-value card make a blackjack – the strongest standard two-card hand, subject to the game’s rules and payout.
What Do Hard and Soft Mean in Blackjack?
If you’ve searched for the soft/hard meaning in blackjack, the distinction is important when using a blackjack strategy chart.
A hard hand is one where an Ace isn’t being counted as 11, either because there isn’t an Ace or because counting an Ace as 11 would make the hand go over 21.
A soft hand contains an Ace that can currently count as 11 without busting.
For example:
- 10 + 7 = hard 17
- Ace + 6 = soft 17
- Ace + 6 + 10 = hard 17, because the Ace must now count as 1
Soft hands give you more flexibility because the Ace can switch between 1 and 11.
What Does Blackjack Mean by Bust?
To bust means to exceed 21.
If your hand reaches 22 or more, you lose the hand immediately, regardless of what the dealer subsequently gets.
This is why deciding whether to hit or stand is such an important part of blackjack.
What Happens If You Get Blackjack?
A blackjack normally consists of an Ace and any card worth 10 points, such as a 10, Jack, Queen or King.
A natural blackjack is different from simply reaching 21 with three or more cards. The exact payout for blackjack varies between games, so check the table rules before placing your bet.
If both you and the dealer have blackjack, the result is normally a push or tie.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack strategy uses mathematical probabilities to determine the most favourable decision for a particular combination of your cards and the dealer’s visible card.
It doesn’t guarantee a win. Instead, basic strategy aims to reduce the mathematical disadvantage by choosing the decision with the best expected result under a particular set of rules.
Some useful general principles include:
- Hard totals of 8 or less will normally require another card.
- Hard 17 or higher will normally be stood on.
- A hard 10 or 11 can often be a good situation for doubling, depending on the dealer’s card and the game rules.
- A pair of Aces is commonly split.
- A pair of 8s is commonly split.
- A pair of 10-value cards is normally kept as 20.
- Insurance generally isn’t recommended as part of standard basic strategy.
These are broad guidelines rather than a complete strategy. The mathematically correct decision can change depending on the number of decks, blackjack payout, dealer rules and available actions.
How to Use a Blackjack Chart
A blackjack chart makes basic strategy easier to follow.
Typically, your hand appears down one side of the chart and the dealer’s upcard appears along the top.
You find the intersection between the two to see the recommended action:
- H = Hit
- S = Stand
- D = Double
- P = Split
Different blackjack games require different charts. For example, whether the dealer stands or hits on soft 17 can affect the correct strategy. Rules concerning doubling, splitting and the number of decks can also change the optimal decisions.
For that reason, don’t assume that a random blackjack chart found online perfectly matches the game you’re playing.
Blackjack Terminology Beginners Should Know
Dealer: The person or system dealing the cards.
Player: You, or another person playing a hand.
Upcard: The dealer’s visible card.
Hole card: A dealer card that is initially face down in games where one is used.
Hit: Take another card.
Stand: Take no additional cards.
Double down: Increase your stake and take one additional card.
Split: Turn a pair into two separate hands.
Push: A tie between the player and dealer, normally resulting in your stake being returned.
Bust: A hand exceeding 21.
Soft hand: A hand containing an Ace that can count as 11 without busting.
Hard hand: A hand where an Ace cannot count as 11 without busting, or where there is no Ace.
Online Blackjack vs Live Blackjack
Online blackjack can be played in different formats.
RNG blackjack uses software to determine the cards and outcomes. Live blackjack, meanwhile, features a real dealer and physical cards streamed from a casino studio. NetBet IE currently offers both online blackjack options and live casino games.
The underlying objective remains similar, although individual rules and available features can differ.
If you prefer the traditional table experience, you can explore live casino games with a real dealer.
Start Exploring Blackjack at NetBet IE
Now that you understand the basics of how to play blackjack, you can explore the available blackjack games at NetBet Casino.
You can also browse other table games or explore the live casino selection.
Before playing, check the individual game’s rules, payouts, available actions and table limits. Basic strategy can help you make mathematically informed decisions, but it cannot guarantee a winning result.
Before you begin playing, decide on a budget, take regular breaks and enjoy your gaming responsibly. NetBet Casino also offers a comprehensive range of Safer Gambling tools, including deposit limits, reality checks and cooling-off periods, helping players stay in control while enjoying their favourite games.
