The goal of the game
In blackjack you play against the dealer, not against the other players at the table. Your hand wins when its total is higher than the dealer's without going over 21, or when the dealer goes over 21 (busts).
A blackjack is an ace plus a ten-value card as your first two cards: 21 with two cards. It beats every other hand, including a 21 made of three or more cards.
Card values
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2 – 9 | Face value |
| 10, J, Q, K | 10 |
| A | 1 or 11, whichever is better for the hand |
A hand with an ace counted as 11 is called soft (A-6 is soft 17). It cannot bust with one more card, because the ace then counts as 1. A hand without such an ace is hard.
How a round is played
- Place your bet between the table's minimum and maximum, from the chips you brought to the table.
- The deal. Every player and the dealer get two cards. Players' cards are face up; the dealer shows one card and keeps the other face down.
- Insurance is offered when the dealer shows an ace. If the dealer has blackjack, the round ends at once.
- Your turn. Starting from the left, every player plays their hand: hit, stand, double or split.
- The dealer's turn. The dealer turns over the hidden card and draws until the total is 17 or more.
- Payout. Every hand is compared with the dealer's and settled.
Hit, stand, double, split, insurance
- Hit: take another card. You can hit as many times as you like until you stand or go over 21.
- Stand: keep your total and end your turn.
- Double: double your bet on your first two cards and take exactly one more card. Allowed on any two cards, also after a split.
- Split: when your first two cards have the same value (two eights, or a ten and a king), put in a second bet and play them as two separate hands. You can split once per round. Split aces get one card each, and an ace with a ten after a split counts as 21, not blackjack.
- Insurance: when the dealer shows an ace, you can bet half your bet that the dealer has blackjack. It pays 2:1.
On MyGameZone you have 12 seconds to bet and 15 seconds to decide. If time runs out, your hand stands.
Table rules and payouts
| Result | Pays |
|---|---|
| Blackjack (ace + ten-value card) | 3:2 (a 100 bet wins 150) |
| Higher total than the dealer, or dealer busts | 1:1 (a 100 bet wins 100) |
| Insurance when the dealer has blackjack | 2:1 |
| Same total as the dealer (push) | Bet returned |
| You bust, or the dealer has the higher total | Bet lost |
- Two decks, shuffled when about 60% of the shoe has been dealt.
- The dealer stands on all 17s, including soft 17.
- The dealer checks for blackjack (peeks) when showing an ace or a ten.
- Five seats per table. No surrender.
Basic strategy for beginners
Blackjack is a game of decisions, and a few rules of thumb take you a long way. The dealer's up card tells you most of what you need: a 7 or higher is strong, a 2 to 6 is weak because the dealer must keep drawing and often busts.
| Your hand | What to do |
|---|---|
| Hard 8 or less | Always hit. |
| Hard 9 | Double against a dealer 3 to 6, otherwise hit. |
| Hard 10 or 11 | Double when your total is higher than the dealer's up card, otherwise hit. |
| Hard 12 | Stand against a dealer 4 to 6, otherwise hit. |
| Hard 13 – 16 | Stand against a dealer 2 to 6, hit against 7 or higher. |
| Hard 17 or more | Always stand. |
| Soft 13 – 17 (A-2 to A-6) | Hit; double against a dealer 5 or 6. |
| Soft 18 (A-7) | Stand against 2, 7 and 8; double against 3 to 6; hit against 9, 10 and ace. |
| Soft 19 or more | Always stand. |
| Pairs | Always split aces and eights. Never split tens or fives. |
Insurance is a side bet that usually loses in the long run. Most players skip it.
Blackjack 21 on MyGameZone
- Blackjack 21 tables in Social Poker Holdem, Global Poker and The Poker Club Pro: open the Blackjack 21 tile in the lobby and pick a table by its stakes.
- Choose your buy-in: bring as many chips as you like within the table's range, top up with Rebuy, and sit out when you need a break.
- Quick Blackjack: playing poker? Open Quick Blackjack at your poker table and play a few hands while you wait for the next deal.
- A live dealer deals every card, and you can chat with the players at your table.
- A VIP Blackjack table for VIP club members.
Blackjack 21 FAQ
What is the difference between blackjack and 21?
They are the same game. "Blackjack" is also the name of the best hand: an ace and a ten-value card as your first two cards.
How much does a blackjack pay?
3:2 on MyGameZone. A 100-chip bet wins 150 chips, on top of getting the bet back.
Does the dealer hit on soft 17?
No. The dealer stands on every 17, including soft 17 (an ace and a six). That rule is slightly better for the player.
When should I split?
Always split aces and eights, never split tens or fives. Your two cards need the same value, and you can split once per round.
Can I play blackjack online for free?
Yes. Blackjack 21 on MyGameZone is free to play in your browser with the chips you get when you join and every day. It is for fun only: no real money gambling, and chips have no cash value. 18+.
