What Is No Hole Card Blackjack?

In blackjack, all players are dealt two cards face up. The dealer is also dealt two cards, but only one of them is face up.

This face up card is called the dealer’s hole card. The other card remains hidden until the end of the hand.

If the player’s two cards add up to 21, they have a blackjack and are paid 3-2 odds on their bet. If the dealer’s hole card is an Ace, they may offer insurance to the players.

This side bet pays 2-1 odds if the dealer has a blackjack.

If the player does not have a blackjack, they may choose to hit, stand, double down, or split. If they hit, they are dealt another card face up.

They can hit as many times as they like until they either bust or stand.

If the player stands, they take no more cards and their turn is over. If they double down, they double their bet and are dealt one more card face down.

They cannot hit again after doubling down.

If the player splits, they must make two separate bets and are dealt two more cards, one for each hand. They can then hit or stand on each hand separately.

The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more. If the dealer has a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace that totals 17), they must hit in most casinos.

If the dealer busts, all players who have not already busted win their bet.

Players with a blackjack always win their bet unless the dealer also has a blackjack. In that case, it is a push and no one wins or loses their bet.

No hole card blackjack is different in that the dealer does not receive a hole card until after all players have finished making their decisions. This means that if the player busts first, the dealer cannot bust and vice versa.

It also means that insurance is not offered and doubling down is usually not allowed.