What Happens if You Get 21 in Blackjack?

If you are lucky enough to be dealt a blackjack, or a natural, on your first two cards, then you have a 21. This is the best possible hand in the game, and it pays out 3 to 2 odds.

If the dealer also has a blackjack, then it is a push, or a tie, and your bet is returned to you.

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If you hit 21 with more than two cards, then it is still a winning hand, but it pays out at even money odds. For example, if you are dealt an ace and a six and then hit a five on the next card, you would have 21 with three cards.

PRO TIP:If you get 21 in Blackjack, you automatically win the hand! Known as ‘Blackjack’ or ‘Natural’, getting 21 beats any other total, including a dealer’s Blackjack. It pays out at 3:2 odds.

This is still a winning hand, but it pays out at even money instead of 3 to 2.

If the dealer has 21 with more than two cards, then it is called a Five Card Charlie. This is a very rare occurrence, but if it happens, the player automatically wins the hand, regardless of what the dealer has.

This rule only applies if the player has five cards or less. If the player hits 21 with more than five cards, then it is still just a regular blackjack and pays out at even money odds.