Blackjack Pro Guide

Master the rules, understand the odds, and play like a professional.

Introduction

Blackjack (also known as 21) is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. Unlike other casino games, Blackjack is a game of skill where strategy plays a significant role in your chances of winning.

The Objective: Beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.

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Note: You are competing only against the dealer, not against other players.

Card Values

2 through 9

Face Value (count matches the number)

10, J, Q, K

Count as 10

Ace (A)

Worth 1 or 11 (whichever helps you)

How to Play

  1. Betting: The player places a bet before any cards are dealt.
  2. The Deal: The dealer gives two cards to the player (face up) and two to themselves (one face up, one face down).
  3. The Natural (Blackjack): If your first two cards deal 21 (Ace + 10-value), you have Blackjack. This pays 3:2.
  4. Player's Turn: You decide to Hit, Stand, Double Down, or Split.
  5. Dealer's Turn: Once you stand (or bust), the dealer reveals their face-down card. They must Hit until they reach 17.

Player Actions

HIT

Take another card. You can hit as many times as you like, but if you go over 21, you bust.

STAND

Keep your current hand and end your turn. You typically do this when satisfied with your count.

DOUBLE DOWN

Double your initial bet, take exactly one more card, and verify your turn. Great for totals of 10 or 11.

SPLIT

If you have two cards of the same rank (e.g., two 8s), split them into two separate hands with separate bets.

Simplified Strategy

Minimizing the house edge requires making mathematically correct decisions. This is a simplified "Cheat Sheet":

Your Hand Dealer's Up Card Action
8 or less Any HIT
10 or 11 2 - 9 DOUBLE
12 - 16 2 - 6 STAND
12 - 16 7 - Ace HIT
17 - 21 Any STAND
Aces or 8s Any SPLIT

View Full Strategy Chart →

Blackjack Pro is a free simulator designed for education (and fun).

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