How to play Blackjack
Get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Cards 2 to 10 count their number, Jacks, Queens and Kings count 10, and an Ace counts 11 or 1, whichever helps you. These are play chips for fun, with no real money.
A hand, step by step
- Bet: tap the chips to build your bet, then Deal. Your last bet is remembered.
- You get two cards face up; the dealer gets one up and one face down.
- Hit to take another card, or Stand to keep what you have. Go over 21 and you bust.
- Double on your first two cards: double your bet and take exactly one more card.
- Split a pair into two hands, each with its own bet. You can split up to four hands; split Aces get one card each.
- Then the dealer turns over the hidden card and must hit until reaching 17 or more.
Getting paid
- Beat the dealer (or the dealer busts): you win the same as your bet.
- Blackjack (an Ace and a ten-card as your first two cards) pays 3 to 2: 30 on a 20 bet.
- A tie is a push: you get your bet back.
- When the dealer shows an Ace, you’re offered insurance for half your bet. It pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.
The shoe holds six decks and is reshuffled when about three quarters has been dealt.
Learn the right play
Tap Hint for the basic strategy play: the mathematically best choice for your cards against the dealer’s card. Turn on Coach me in the Menu to see it on every hand. Playing basic strategy, the dealer’s edge is only about half a percent.
Tips
- Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10s or 5s.
- Stand on 12 to 16 when the dealer shows 2 to 6 (except hit 12 against a 2 or 3); the dealer is likely to bust.
- Double 11 against anything but an Ace, and 10 against 2 through 9.
- Insurance is a poor bet in the long run; basic strategy says no.
Questions
Is this real gambling?
No. The chips have no cash value, can’t be bought and can’t be cashed out. If you run out, you start over with 1,000.
Is the dealing fair?
Yes. The cards come from a shuffled six-deck shoe in order, and nothing is adjusted to make you win or lose.
Will my chips be saved?
Yes, in this browser on this device.