Blackjack
Blackjack is the casino card game where you aim to beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21. It is one of the few games where decisions matter: with basic strategy the house edge falls to roughly 0.5%, among the lowest in the casino.
| Goal | Beat the dealer without going over 21 |
|---|---|
| House Edge | ~0.5% with basic strategy |
| Skill Vs Luck | Skill-influenced |
| Key Variants | Classic, European, Spanish 21, Pontoon, Switch |
How blackjack works
You are dealt two cards and add their values, aiming to get closer to 21 than the dealer without busting (going over). Number cards score their face value, picture cards count as ten, and an ace is one or eleven. On each hand you choose whether to hit (take a card), stand, double down or split a pair — and those choices are what separate blackjack from games of pure chance.
Why decisions change the odds
Because your actions affect the result, blackjack has a mathematically correct play for every situation, known as basic strategy. Following it lowers the house edge to around half a percent under common rules; ignoring it can multiply that several times over. Rule variations — how many decks, whether the dealer hits soft 17, blackjack payouts of 3:2 versus 6:5 — each nudge the edge, so the specific table matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge in blackjack?
About 0.5% with basic strategy under common rules, making it one of the best-value games — but only if you play correctly and the table pays 3:2 on blackjack.
Does 6:5 blackjack matter?
Yes. A 6:5 payout instead of 3:2 roughly triples the house edge. Always check the payout before sitting down.
Sources
- Published blackjack rules
- Basic-strategy analysis
- Standard house-edge tables