Live Blackjack Guide
The world's most popular casino card game with the lowest house edge when played correctly.
The Objective
Beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over (busting). You're playing against the dealer only, not other players at the table.
Card Values
Face value
Worth 10
Worth 1 or 11
Your Playing Options
Hit
Take another card. You can hit as many times as you want until you stand or bust.
Stand
Keep your current hand. The dealer then plays their hand.
Double Down
Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Best used on totals of 9, 10, or 11.
Split
If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands. Requires matching your original bet.
Surrender
Give up half your bet and fold. Only available on your first two cards at some tables.
Insurance
A side bet offered when the dealer shows an Ace. Pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. Generally not recommended.
Basic Strategy Overview
Basic strategy is mathematically optimal play for every situation. Following it reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5%.
Key Strategy Points
- • Always split Aces and 8s
- • Never split 10s or 5s
- • Double on 11 against dealer 2-10
- • Double on 10 against dealer 2-9
- • Stand on 17+ (hard hands)
- • Hit on soft 17 (A-6)
- • Stand on 12-16 vs dealer 2-6
Common Mistakes
- • Taking insurance (house edge: 7%+)
- • Standing on soft 17
- • Splitting 10s for "double the win"
- • Always standing on 12
- • Not doubling when favorable
- • Playing hunches over math
Popular Live Blackjack Variants
Classic Blackjack
Standard 7-seat tables with traditional rules.
Infinite Blackjack
Unlimited players, everyone plays the same hand.
Speed Blackjack
Faster pace - first to decide plays first.
Lightning Blackjack
Random multipliers up to 25x on winning hands.
Power Blackjack
Double, triple, or quadruple down on any two cards.
Free Bet Blackjack
Free doubles and splits on certain hands.
Find the Best Live Blackjack Tables
Browse casinos with Evolution, Playtech, and Pragmatic blackjack tables.
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