Blackjack Rules, Bets, and Odds

Master the Rules and Odds of Blackjack

Even though it’s considered a game of chance, knowing the blackjack rules US can be beneficial. In this guide, we teach you everything you need to know, including the odds of winning at blackjack. You can find a blackjack odds table and other resources below:

Goal of blackjack

The game’s goal is to beat the dealer by having the closest hand to 21, or 21. To do this, you’ll receive two cards, from which you must decide if you want to hit or stand.

Card values

Card values dictate the strength of your hand. The table below contains all the values you will come across in blackjack:

Blackjack odds

After studying the rules of blackjack US, you should focus on the odds. Blackjack odds depend mainly on the number of decks in play. The best blackjack odds are achieved by playing with a single deck.

The following table may help you improve the odds of winning at blackjack by telling you when to hit or stand. It’s valid for four, six, and eight-deck games where the dealer stands on 17.

Another concept you should be aware of while looking into the odds of winning at blackjack is the house edge. This term dictates the house’s advantage over the player at any given point. On average, blackjack has a house edge of 0.46%.

Blackjack terms

Knowing the terms of blackjack is an excellent way to improve your casino vocabulary and game knowledge. Check them out:

How Does a Blackjack Round Work?

Every blackjack round follows the same structure. Players start by placing their bets before the dealer deals the cards. The goal is to obtain either a hand totalling 21 or as close as possible to 21 without busting. 

Study the rules

You should take your time to study blackjack rules. Knowing the US blackjack rules is crucial in becoming a better player. You’ll know when to hit, stand, and most importantly, how to control your bankroll.

Add money to your balance

Before you can start placing blackjack side bets, you’ll need to add funds to your casino account. To do so, head to the cashier and select your favorite deposit method. Your funds should be available right away, regardless of the method chosen.

Place a bet

Now you’re ready to start. Whether you pick All bets blackjack or the classic version, find a table suited to your budget by paying attention to the minimum and maximum bets. Playing blackjack requires responsibility, so don’t bet more than you can’t afford to lose.

The dealer deals the cards

After the issues with the payment methods and whatnot are out of the way, the blackjack rules card game begins with all players placing their bets. Each player receives two cards face up. The dealer will also deal himself two cards, one face up and one face down.

I got a blackjack!

A blackjack is a hand consisting of an A and a 10-value card. It’s the highest possible hand in the game. You’ll receive a payout once the round ends, assuming the dealer doesn’t land a blackjack.

I won a side bet!

The good thing about blackjack side bets is that you can win before the round ends. The blackjack side bets payout will vary according to the bet placed. You may still be in the game, so read the steps below.

Make your decision

After looking through the blackjack rules, you’ll know what to do in this situation. Analyze the table and be aware of the blackjack odds before deciding whether you want to hit, double down, or split. 

Shoot, it’s a bust!

You bust whenever your hand value exceeds 21. Your bet is automatically collected, and you must wait until the next round starts to bet again.

I’m still in the game!

If your action – hit, stand, split, or double down, didn’t make your hand exceed 21, you’re still in the game. You may have a chance to improve the blackjack odds of winning by learning about strategies.

The dealer plays his hand

Once every player has decided, the dealer will turn over his face-down card. The dealer must obtain a hand value of at least 17. There are four possible outcomes in this situation:

• The dealer busts – Every player that didn’t bust wins.
• The dealer’s hand has a higher value than the player’s – You lose.
• The dealer’s hand is the same value as the player’s – It’s a tie, also known as a push.
• The dealer’s hand has a lower value than the player’s – You win.

Payouts

Winnings are paid in this phase. To know what you’ll receive, we recommend looking into blackjack payouts. If your chosen game has side bets, you should also be aware of blackjack side bet payouts.

All About Side Bets

Some blackjack variations feature optional side bets. Discover the blackjack side bets odds and payouts below:

Insurance

Players are asked if they want to take insurance when the dealer has a face-up ace. The bet costs half the player’s stake and pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack (21). 

Perfect pairs

This side bet is all about betting on your hand. It has three variations:

Mixed pair

Betting the hand will have two cards with the same value but a different suit and color. Has a payout of 5:1.

Colored pair

Betting the hand will have two cards with the same value and color but a different suit. Has a payout of 12:1.

Perfect pair

Betting the hand will have two cards with the same value, color, and suit. Has a payout of 25:1.

21+3

This side bet uses the player’s cards and the dealer’s up card, as follows:

Flush

All cards from the same suit. Has a payout of 5:1.

Straight

All the cards are consecutive. Has a payout of 10:1.

Three of a kind

Three cards of the same value. Has a payout of 30:1.

Straight flush

Three consecutive cards of the same suit. Has a payout of 40:1.

Suited triple

Three identical cards. Has a payout of 100:1.

Bet behind

Allows players to bet on other players’ hands. Ultimately, the payouts vary according to the other player’s actions.

Royal match

It pays 5:2 if the player’s cards are from the same suit and 25:1 if they’re a K and a Q.

Over/under 13

Pays 1:1 if the player guesses whether his hand will be over or under 13.

Super sevens

Pays if sevens are dealt to the player:

• One seven – 3:1
• Two sevens (unsuited) – 50:1
• Two sevens (suited) – 100:1
• Three sevens (unsuited) – 500:1
• Three sevens (suited) – 5,000:1

Lucky ladies

Pays if the player’s hand adds up to 20:

• Unsuited – 4:1
• Suited – 10:1
• Same value and suit – 25:1
• Queen of hearts – 200:1
• Queen of hearts and the dealer has a blackjack – 1,000:1

Honey bonus

This side bet is similar to 21+3, although it also pays 3:1 for a suited blackjack.

Lucky 7

Similar to super sevens, albeit with different payouts. It also takes the dealer’s card into account. The maximum payout is 500:1 for three suited sevens.

Lucky lucky

A highly diverse side bet that pays based on several outcomes:

Top 3

Similar to the 21+3, but with different payouts:

• Suited Three of a Kind – 270:1
• Straight Flush – 180:1
• Three of a Kind – 90:1

Hot 3

Unique to Evolution’s Infinite Blackjack. Similar to the lucky lucky side bet, but with the following differences:

• Three Sevens – 100:1
• Suited 21 – 20:1
• 21 – 4:1
• 20 – 2:1
• 19 – 1:1

Buster

A side bet that pays out if the dealer busts. The payouts vary according to the number of cards the dealer draws:

• Eight or more – 250:1
• Seven – 50:1
• Six – 15:1
• Five – 4:1
• Three or four – 2:1

Bust it

Unlike the buster side bet, this bet pays out according to the dealer’s third card:

• Bust with three suited 8s – 200:1
• Bust with three 8s of the same color – 50:1
• Bust with a 6 – 15:1
• Bust with a 7 – 9:1
• Bust with an 8 – 7:1
• Bust with a 9 – 5:1
• Bust with a 10 – 3:1

Best live casinos to place blackjack side bets

Discover the top blackjack side bets and where you can find them:

Payouts of Blackjack

Have a look at the most common blackjack payouts:

Conclusion

The blackjack game can be confusing if you do not take the time to learn how it’s played. Yes, there are many moving parts here, but once you get a good grasp of the basics, game rules and odds, you are well on your way to online blackjack mastery.

Author

Pride

Casino bonus specialist

Pride is a five-year veteran in the exciting world of US and UK casino gaming. His mantra is “Keep it simple,” which he always does while giving you the low down on the latest casino gaming trends. Whether it’s reporting on breaking news or getting down to the brass tacks in a detailed casino review, Pride provides clear, reliable, and unbiased information to help you make your gaming decisions.

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