How Does a Blackjack Work?

A blackjack, also known as a natural, is a hand that totals 21 in either the player’s first two cards (an ace and a 10-value card) or after adding a 10-value card to an ace that the player has drawn as a hit. It is considered a strong hand, and is the best hand in blackjack.

If both the player and dealer have blackjacks, it is a push, and no money changes hands. If the player has a blackjack and the dealer does not, the player will be paid 3-to-2 odds on his bet.

There are several ways to play blackjack, but the basic premise is always the same: get as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game is played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards, with each denomination assigned a point value: Ace=1, 2=2, 3=3, 4=4, 5=5, 6=6, 7=7, 8=8, 9=9, 10=10, Jack=10, Queen=10, King=10.

The object for the player is to draw cards until their hand totals 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over (busting). The dealer must always stand on 17 (hit on 16 or less).

If the player’s first two cards total 21 (an ace and a 10-value card), this is called a natural or blackjack. A natural gives the player an automatic win and pays 3-to-2 odds on the bet.

If both the player and dealer have naturals (blackjacks), it’s a push and no one wins or loses money.

If the player’s hand totals more than 21 after drawing additional cards (busting), he automatically loses his bet. If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all players who didn’t bust automatically win their bets.

If neither the player nor dealer has a natural (blackjack), play proceeds as follows: The player gets to act first. He can choose to hit (draw another card) or stand (keep his current total).

If he hits and his hand totals more than 21 after receiving additional cards (busting), he loses his bet. Otherwise play passes to the dealer.

The dealer must draw on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more. If he drAWS on 16 or less but his total exceeds 21 after receiving additional cards (busting), all players who didn’t bust win their bets. Otherwise play passes back to the player who can either hit again or stand with his current total.