Blackjack Guide: Hand Values, Decisions and Table Rules
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Blackjack is a card game where a player hand is compared with the dealer's hand under the table rules. The aim is generally to finish closer to 21 than the dealer without going over, but details such as soft 17 handling can vary.
Number cards usually count at face value, picture cards count as ten, and an ace can count as one or eleven depending on the hand. A two-card ace and ten-value hand is often called a natural blackjack; the payout and comparison rules appear in the game information.
Illustrative artwork, not a screenshot of an operator’s cashier or game lobby.
Common player actions
A table may offer hit, stand, split or double decisions, subject to its rules. The available actions depend on the hand and the table variant. Check whether surrender, insurance or other options are offered and how they settle.
Compare the table rules
Blackjack versions can differ in deck count, dealer action, doubling and payout rules. Read the specific game's help panel before starting. The BAR 1 casino directory is the place to check the current catalogue.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Can an ace count as one or eleven?+
Yes. Its value is adjusted by the game rules to avoid exceeding 21 when possible.
