If you’re trying to figure out how to play 21 Blackjack, you’ve come to the right place. This simple, classic casino card game is easy to understand. With a little bit of research, you can have the basics down quickly. Mastering the game takes a bit longer, as there is some strategy to learn. We’ll cover everything you need to know in this article.
After you’re done reading, you won’t have to ask, “How do you play blackjack 21?” again.
What is 21 Blackjack?
Let’s start with the basic game. The goal of Blackjack 21 is to get as high a total in your hand as you can without going over 21. Getting 21 exactly is known as a “blackjack” and generally gives you a quick win (unless the dealer also has blackjack, in which case your bet is returned to you in a “push.”)
Blackjack 21 online games are in a category of casino games called “banker games.” The object of these games is to beat the dealer or banker in one way or another, typically by comparing the player’s hand to the dealer’s hand. In a 21-card game online, the dealer is constrained by a set of fixed rules, rather than being under human control and decision-making.
How is this game different from normal blackjack?
“21” and “blackjack” are two names for the same game. The variation in online blackjack 21 names comes from the early days of the game and the variety of countries that play it. Historical research shows that the game has actually been played for hundreds of years. In English, however, the first name of the game was “21.” This is also seen in the French name for the game: vingt-un. The name “blackjack” came after. Blackjack 21 online games simply preserve this naming convention so that players can find the game they want no matter what they call it.
Some variations of the game use both words, like 21 Burn Blackjack. This blackjack variation offers players the ability to exchange their second card dealt for a third card called the “burn” card. The game also features a burn side bet, enabling players to get a prize if the burn card is an ace.
There are also variations such as 212 Blackjack or Multihand Blackjack – which you can find more about by reading our blogs!
Blackjack 21 rules – the basics
In the basic game of blackjack, the player and the dealer are each dealt two cards. The dealer typically receives one card face up, giving the player a bit of initial information to work with. The player then has the option to hit or to stand. A player will stand if the hand has a high total, like 18, 19, or 20. If the player’s hand total is low, however, the player will typically take a hit and receive an additional card. This can be done as many times as the player wishes unless the player’s hand total exceeds 21. In that case, the player has gone bust and loses their wager.
Card values
- Numbered cards from 2-10 have their face value.
- Face cards (J, Q, and K) have the value of ten.
- An ace is versatile. It can have a value of 1 or 11, depending on player choice. Thus, a face card and an ace make a blackjack. A player with two aces has a score of 2 or 12, depending on their choice. A hand with an ace is referred to as “soft,” while non-ace hands are referred to as “hard.”
Dealer rule – standing on 17
Dealers are controlled by a strict rule that makes the game more predictable and allow players to use optimal strategy. In general, dealers must stand at 17. If the dealer has 16 in a game with this rule, they will always take a hit. There is some variation, however, in treatment of soft 17s. Some games force a dealer to hit a soft 17, while others make a dealer stand on that hand.
Other rule variations
Blackjack games vary when it comes to a number of rules. Each of these has an effect on the house edge, which is famously low for this game. When played optimally, the house edge on blackjack can be brought to around .5%. In other game variations, it can rise to around 2%. Keep an eye on these rules to see what you’re in for when you play a particular game:
- Insurance. Insurance is a side bet you can make when the dealer has an ace showing. The concern for the player is that the dealer might have a blackjack hiding under that second card. The player can make the insurance bet and generally be paid 2 to 1 if the dealer actually has a blackjack.
- Doubling down. A player can double down, which means that they place an extra wager and receive only one more card. This is typically done in situations where the player has a 9, 10, or 11 (without an ace). Some 21 blackjack games restrict the ability to double down.
- Blackjack 21 payout. Most games pay 2:3 on blackjacks, but a less player-favorable version will pay 6:5.
- Splitting. Players can split paired hands into two separate hands. Some games will restrict this ability or the number of times per hand players can split. Players pretty much always split aces and eights, but not tens.
Blackjack 21 Strategy
We have several to show players exactly what action to take in each situation in this game, so we won’t cover that again here. The charts can be used as a precise reference for those who need a little guidance when playing the game. We also have a number of articles on blackjack in general.
That said, here are some simple tips to get you started:
- Don’t take insurance.
- Stand on 12 (this will be hard since your instincts will be telling you that the hand is too low, but the chance of going bust with a ten-value card is just too high).
- Split aces and 8s.
- Keep 10s together – 20 is a strong hand.
- Stand on 12-16 when the dealer has a bad upcard (2-6). Hit when the dealer’s upcard is stronger.
Good luck!