How to Play Blackjack Online & in Casinos: Game Rules Guide
Blackjack is one of the most well-known card games you’ll find both online and in physical casinos. It’s straightforward to learn and suits players of all experience levels, making it a popular choice around the world.
To get the most out of the game, it’s beneficial to understand how it works before sitting down at a table, digital or otherwise.
In this blog post, we walk through the basics: how a round of blackjack unfolds, what the key player options are, and what to expect from different types of tables. We also explain common terms like “hit” and “stand,” and look at how cards, betting, and payouts all fit together.
If you’re thinking about trying blackjack or just want a refresher, this post covers what you need to know. Read on to learn more.
What Is Blackjack and How Does the Game Work?
Blackjack is a game played against the dealer. Each round begins with all players and the dealer receiving two cards. In most versions, both of your cards are dealt face up, while the dealer’s hand shows only one card, with the other remaining hidden until later in the round.
To begin, each player and the dealer are dealt two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is visible to everyone, while the other remains hidden until later. From there, each player chooses what to do with their hand.
Once those decisions are made, the round moves to its conclusion. Bets are settled based on how the totals compare, with a few different outcomes possible.
Before we get to those outcomes, though, it helps to look at the game’s structure in more detail.
Blackjack Rules Explained
Each game of blackjack starts with players placing their wager. After that, everyone receives two cards, including the dealer. The rules then guide players through a series of choices.
If you choose to play, there are four core options you might see: drawing another card, staying with your current total, adding to your stake, or dividing a pair. These choices are offered based on the cards you’re dealt and shape how the hand plays out.
In some game versions, additional options are available. For example, certain tables let players end a hand early with a reduced loss, or they may set specific rules for how the dealer must complete their hand. These differences are usually displayed at the table or in the game information.
But before any of these moves make sense, you need to understand how to read your hand, and that comes down to how card values work.
Blackjack Card Values and How to Count Points
All cards contribute to your total in simple ways. Most of them are worth the number shown. The face cards—Jack, Queen, and King—count the same. There’s just one exception, and it’s what makes blackjack more flexible than some other games.
That exception is the Ace. The Ace can be treated as either 1 or 11, depending on what helps your hand the most. This gives you a bit of flexibility, especially when building a strong total without going over.
Because of this, blackjack hands fall into two categories: those that include a flexible Ace, and those that don’t. A hand like Ace-7, for example, can count as 18 or 8, depending on what comes next. If the hand can no longer use the Ace as 11 without going over, it automatically counts as 1 instead.
Recognising these soft and hard hands becomes part of how you decide what to do next, and helps make the most of every round.
Next, let’s see how the experience of playing can shift depending on whether you’re online or at a casino table.
What Are the Main Differences Between Online and In-Casino Blackjack?
Blackjack can be played in person or through digital platforms, and while the rules stay the same, the environment feels quite different.
If you play online, the format is streamlined. There are two main types: one uses software to deal digital cards; the other uses a real dealer shown through a video feed. Online platforms often offer a wide selection of tables and faster rounds due to automatic actions and timers.
If you play at a casino, you play with real cards and chips. The pace is often slower, and there’s a focus on in-person etiquette, like waiting your turn and placing chips properly. The number of open seats can also vary based on the venue.
Both formats include features to help you manage your session. Online platforms include built-in tools, while physical tables rely on signage and staff instructions. No matter where you might choose to play, the next constant is how bets are placed.
How to Place Bets in Blackjack
If you choose to play a hand of blackjack, the first step is placing a bet. This happens before any cards are dealt and sets the stake for that round.
The way you place your bet can vary depending on where you’re playing. In a physical casino, you’d typically place chips into the betting area on the table. If you’re playing online, you’d select a chip value and confirm your wager through the game interface. Once the betting window closes, the round begins, and your stake is locked in.
Some tables may also offer optional side bets alongside the main game. These usually pay out based on specific card combinations, such as matching pairs or particular totals, and are settled independently of the main hand. Details about these side bets, including how they work and what they pay, are usually displayed on the table or available in the game’s rules section.
Once your bet is placed, the focus shifts to how you’ll play the cards you’re dealt.
When Do You Hit, Stand, Split or Double Down?
If you decide to play a hand of blackjack, you’ll receive two cards to start. From there, you may be presented with a few possible actions. Each one is designed for different scenarios and can influence how the hand plays out.
Hit
Choosing to hit means taking another card. This might be an option when your initial total is on the lower side and there’s potential to improve without exceeding 21. It’s often considered in situations where the dealer’s visible card appears strong.
Stand
If you stand, you’re keeping your current total and ending your turn. This is a common choice when holding a higher-value hand—such as 17 or more—though decisions can vary depending on what the dealer is showing.
Split
If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you may have the option to split them into two separate hands. Each hand then gets played on its own, and you’ll typically need to place an additional stake equal to your original bet. This move can offer more flexibility if the starting pair is difficult to play as one hand.
Double Down
Doubling down allows you to increase your original stake once, in exchange for committing to receive just one more card. This is usually done when the total suggests a strong chance of beating the dealer with a single draw.
Once all players have taken their actions, attention turns to the dealer, who completes their hand according to fixed rules.
Dealer’s Role and House Rules
The dealer controls the flow of the game, but unlike players, they don’t make choices freely. Their actions are dictated by fixed rules, which are clearly displayed at the table.
In most games, the dealer keeps drawing until reaching a certain number—typically 17. Whether that includes a soft 17 depends on the table setup. Once the dealer’s hand is complete, it’s compared to each player’s in turn.
Several other details may vary by table: the number of decks in use, whether a player can surrender, or when the cards are shuffled. These don’t change the fundamentals but can affect how the game progresses.
After all hands are final, the next step is seeing how the results are paid out.
How Do Blackjack Payouts Work?
If you choose to play a hand of blackjack, your payout will depend on how your cards compare to the dealer’s at the end of the round. If your total is higher than the dealer’s without going over 21, you typically win the hand. In most cases, a winning hand pays out at 1:1—your original stake is returned, along with an equal amount in winnings.
If your first two cards form a blackjack—an Ace paired with a 10, Jack, Queen or King—you’ll usually receive a higher return. Many tables pay 3:2 for this, so a £10 bet would return £15 in winnings. However, some versions of the game offer a 6:5 payout instead, which pays slightly less. You’d normally see this stated on the table layout.
If your total ends up equal to the dealer’s, the result is known as a push. In that case, your stake is returned, but you don’t receive any winnings.
Some tables also offer optional side bets. One example is insurance, which may be offered if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. This is a separate bet that typically pays 2:1 if the dealer’s hidden card is a 10-value, resulting in blackjack.
Explore Blackjack Games Online
If you’re thinking about playing blackjack online, we’ve put together a wide selection of games here at Rose Casino to suit different experience levels and preferences. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a new variant to try, it’s straightforward to find a table that fits a range of paces and budgets.
We’re fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), ensuring we meet strict standards for fairness and player protection. Whether you’re interested in classic blackjack or exploring alternative formats, you’ll find a variety of options available.
You’ll also have access to features designed to support your play, including deposit limits, time-out options, and links to support.
Feel free to visit Rose Casino and explore the range of blackjack games we have available in a secure setting.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.