Basic Rules and Concepts in Blackjack

To understand how blackjack is played, we must begin by learning the game’s basic rules so you can confidently place bets at Sportium Casino. Don’t worry—it won’t take long to master…

Rules and Gameplay

The mechanics are easy to grasp: cards are dealt with specific values, and your aim is to score 21 or as close to it as possible, without going over. Sounds simple, right?

To play, just join a table. Each player is dealt two cards face up, and the dealer also has two cards, one face up and one face down. That’s when the action begins!

Possible Moves

Once the cards are dealt and you’ve had time to evaluate your hand, it’s time to act. Here are the possible actions in blackjack:

• Hit: Ask for another card—you can take as many as you like until you bust (go over 21). If you bust, you lose automatically, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
• Stand: Keep your current total and end your turn. You can hit or stand whenever you’re ready.
• Double Down: Double your original bet in exchange for getting exactly one more card. After that, you cannot hit again—your final hand is locked in.
• Split: If your initial two cards are of the same rank, you can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet equal to the original one. You’ll play each hand independently.
• Surrender: If your initial hand looks weak after seeing the dealer’s up card, you can surrender. You lose half your original bet and forfeit the rest of the round.

Card Values

To play blackjack well, you need to know each card’s value:

• 2 through 10 are worth their face value.
• Jack (J), Queen (Q), King (K) are each worth 10 points.
• Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on what benefits your hand the most.

When you draw an Ace, you decide the value that best suits your current total.

Before You Finish

Check the Sportium blog for more tips, but here are a few key strategies to boost your odds:

• Never split Tens: A 20 is one of the best starting hands—you’re close to 21 and unlikely to bust if you hit.
• Always split Aces and Eights: Most dealers stand at 17, so splitting can help you build strong hands; with Aces, you get maximum flexibility.
• Manage your bankroll: Set a budget and stick to it—essential for playing casino games responsibly.
• Learn your basic strategy before making any decisions.

Objectives in Blackjack

To win at blackjack, you must stay calm and follow a clear strategy. This gives you the best chance of success.

A good rule of thumb: never bet more than half your bankroll on a single hand. Responsible betting is key in any casino game.

Your goal is to reach 21 or as close as possible without busting. Review guides and strategy charts—they may not guarantee wins, but they can certainly help.

Improving Your Game

Developing a basic strategy for beginners takes time, patience, and practice. Only then can you truly master the game.

Blackjack involves math, so mental agility is critical. To sharpen your skills, use a blackjack cheat sheet to help you quickly calculate the best action. Think through every hand!

What Is a “Blackjack”?

A “blackjack” occurs when your first two cards total exactly 21—a face card (10 points: J, Q, or K) plus an Ace (11 points). No special technique is needed—just good fortune!

Payout Rules in Blackjack

Now that you know the basics of how to play blackjack, remember that the payout you receive for winning a hand depends on your original bet. What are the rules regarding payouts?

• Regular wins pay 1:1
• Blackjack wins pay 3:2

Keep in mind that the dealer also plays and must hit on any hand worth 16 or less. You don’t have that obligation—you can choose any of the actions listed above.

Watch out for 6:5 blackjack payout tables

Some tables pay 6:5 instead of 3:2 for a natural blackjack. This lowers your expected winnings and increases the house edge. Always look for tables that pay 3:2 when possible.

In any case, always double-check the specific rules of the table before you start playing.

How to Bet in Blackjack

Before the cards are dealt, each player places an initial bet. The dealer then deals two cards to each player.

After reviewing your initial hand, you’ll have the opportunity to double or split, depending on your cards. In other actions (hit, stand, or surrender), your original bet remains in play.

Just like at a physical casino, you’ll see the minimum and maximum bet limits displayed on the table before you start.

What is Insurance in Blackjack, and Should You Take It?

Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. However, statistically, it’s not a good long-term strategy for players and is generally not recommended.

Basic Blackjack Terms:

• Hit – Ask for another card.
• Stand – Keep your current hand.
• Bust – Go over 21 and lose the round.
• Push – Tie with the dealer; your bet is returned.
• Blackjack – An Ace plus a 10-point card.
• House edge – The casino’s built-in advantage.

Try Free Blackjack Before Betting Real Money

If you’re new to blackjack, try practicing with free demo versions before betting real money. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the rules and strategy.

FAQs for New Blackjack Players

What does “paying 3 to 2” mean in blackjack?
If you win with a blackjack, you’ll receive 3 units for every 2 bet. For example, a €20 bet returns €30 in winnings.

How many cards are dealt in blackjack?
Each player is dealt two cards, and then you can choose to hit or take other actions to approach 21.

How do you count cards in online blackjack?
You can’t count cards in online blackjack because the deck is reshuffled every hand. Each new round starts with a full deck of 52 cards, making card counting ineffective online.

What happens in a tie (push) in blackjack?
If both you and the dealer have the same hand value, it’s called a push. In this case, your original bet is returned to you—neither a win nor a loss.