1Understand the objective
Blackjack is a card game played between you and the dealer. The goal is simple: get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over (busting). You are not competing against other players at the table - only against the dealer.
A "blackjack" is when your first two cards total exactly 21 (an Ace plus a 10-value card). This is the best possible hand and pays 3:2 at most tables.
2Learn card values
2 - 10
Face value
A 7 is worth 7 points
J, Q, K
10 points each
All face cards are worth 10
Ace (A)
1 or 11
Whichever benefits your hand
A hand with an Ace counted as 11 is called a "soft" hand (e.g. Ace + 6 = soft 17). A hand where the Ace must count as 1 to avoid busting is a "hard" hand.
3Learn the actions
Take another card from the dealer. Use when your hand is low and you need more value.
Keep your current hand and end your turn. Use when you are happy with your total.
Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Best used on 10 or 11.
Split a pair into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Always split Aces and 8s.
Forfeit half your bet and end the hand. Available at some tables when you have a very weak hand.
A side bet when the dealer shows an Ace. Generally not recommended - it increases the house edge.
4Understand payouts
3:2
Blackjack (21 on first 2 cards)
Bet R100, win R150
1:1
Regular win
Bet R100, win R100
2:1
Insurance win
Bet R50, win R100
5Learn basic strategy
Basic strategy is a mathematically proven set of decisions that minimises the house edge to around 0.5%. It tells you the optimal action for every possible hand combination. Here is a simplified summary:
A single-deck blackjack game with basic strategy has a house edge of just 0.5%.
| Your hand | Optimal action |
|---|---|
| Hard 8 or less | Always Hit |
| Hard 9 vs dealer 3-6 | Double Down |
| Hard 10 or 11 | Double Down (if more than dealer) |
| Hard 12-16 vs dealer 2-6 | Stand |
| Hard 12-16 vs dealer 7+ | Hit |
| Hard 17+ | Always Stand |
| Soft 17 (A+6) | Double Down vs dealer 3-6 |
| Soft 18 (A+7) | Stand vs dealer 2, 7, 8; Hit vs 9, 10, A |
| Pair of Aces or 8s | Always Split |
| Pair of 10s | Never Split - Stand |
| Pair of 5s | Never Split - Double Down |
6Choose the right variant
Not all blackjack games are equal. The number of decks and rule variations significantly affect the house edge:
Practice for free in our free games section or try live dealer blackjack for the authentic casino experience.