Card values and the objective
Number cards count at face value; picture cards count as ten. An ace can count as one or eleven, depending on the hand. The aim is to beat the dealer without exceeding 21, but the dealer’s draw rules and natural-blackjack payout are set by the table version.
Common decisions
Hit takes another card; stand keeps the current hand. Double increases the stake under the rules in exchange for a defined card, while split separates a pair into two hands. Not every option is available in every situation, so read the table rules first.
Compare table versions
Blackjack tables can differ in number of decks, dealer behavior on soft 17, doubling and splitting rules, and payout terms. Review these settings and the table limits before starting a round. A basic strategy chart cannot replace the rules for a particular version.
Frequently asked questions
What is a soft hand in blackjack?
A soft hand contains an ace counted as eleven without taking the total over 21. The ace can change to one if another card would otherwise bust the hand.