What Is Blackjack? Rules, Basics & How to Play in 2025

One of the oldest casino games in the world, Blackjack, is now available online. Most online casinos and platforms offer a similar experience to the game while you sit at home. The rules are straightforward, but the game still allows for skill, excitement, and strategic play. If you don’t know what is Blackjack, learning about it is pretty simple. 

In this blog, we will discuss the rules, basics, and procedure for playing the game. You can also learn to play Blackjack and enjoy the experience. 

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack (also called 21) is a card game played in casinos. It has a very simple objective: you must beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total card value of more than 21. At first, this aim might seem simple, but when you learn how to play Blackjack, you’ll realise the game has more depth. The rules are simple, the play is thrilling, and there is opportunity for high strategy. In fact, for the expert player who mathematically plays a perfect game and is able to count cards, the odds are sometimes in that player’s favour to win.

The Major Basics of Blackjack

If you’re thinking about starting to play this game, knowing what is Blackjack and its basics will help you out a lot. Here are the most important ones: 

The Goal of Blackjack 

In Blackjack, players are playing against the dealer, rather than against each other. The basic aim of Blackjack can be easily understood. The goal of GullyBET blackjack online is to score more points than the dealer without going over 21. You can beat the dealer by:

1. By drawing a hand scoring more than the dealer’s, without going over 21.
2. If the dealer draws a hand with a score over 21, then this is known as going bust.
3. You can get the first two cards to score a total of 21 points, which will always be an ace and a 10-scoring card (10, jack, queen, or king). This hand is called a natural, or Blackjack.

What are The Card Values? 

The game is about cards after all. This requires a basic understanding of which card means what: 

• Number cards (2–10): Face value (a 7 is worth 7 points and a 10 is worth 10).

• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each of these face cards are worth 10 points.

• Ace: Can be 1 or 11, depending on which benefits your hand more.

How to Play

With the above basics in mind, we can start with the basics of actually playing Blackjack. Here is the order of play:

Buying Chips

Before you can start, you’ll need to buy chips. Once you’ve submitted money, you can buy chips corresponding to that. 

Placing Wagers

At the beginning of each round, everyone places a wager in the betting circle. Once every player’s chips are down, the dealer gives a quick hand signal, and the round begins.

Dealing Cards

Cards are dealt clockwise, one at a time. Each player receives two cards face up. The dealer takes one card face up and one card face down, often referred to as the “hole card.”

Players Play Their Hands

Now comes the decision-making. Starting from the dealer’s left, each player chooses how to play their hand.

The Dealer Plays Their Hand

Once every player has acted, the dealer reveals the “hole card”. Unlike players, the dealer has no choice in the matter. Standard blackjack rules require the dealer to hit until reaching at least 17.

Bet Settlement

When the dealer finishes their hand, it’s time to settle up. If your total comes out to be higher than the dealer’s, without going over 21. The dealer will pay you even money, or 1 to 1 on your bet. If you were lucky enough to hit a natural 21 on your first two cards, you’ll get paid 3 to 2. 

These are all the basics you would require to understand the Blackjack gameplay. However, it is advised that you start with the demo mode and understand it first-hand. After a few tries, you can start placing bets and have a chance to play Blackjack and win real money online.

Blackjack Rules

In Blackjack, everyone plays against the dealer. The objective of this game is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over 21. Here are the important Blackjack rules:

1. If a hand goes over 21, it is called a “bust” or “break,” and the wager is lost. In 21, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and 10s count as 10. An Ace may be played as a one or an 11. All other cards are played at face value.
2. When you receive your first two cards, you may either “stand” or “hit.” When you “stand,” it means you feel you are close enough to 21 and no longer wish for any additional cards, indicated by waving your hand off.
3. If you wish to receive another card or “hit,” tap or scratch the table behind your wager with your finger.  In either situation, you will never touch the cards; all communication is done through hand signals. You may draw as many cards as you want until you are close to 21 or until you “bust.”
4. If you are closer to 21 than the dealer, you win and are paid an amount equal to your original wager. If your hand is less than the dealer’s, you lose. If the dealer’s hand “busts” or “breaks,” you win as well. Ties are a standoff or “push,” and your bet remains on the table.
5. If your initial two cards total 21, any Ace with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King, you have a Blackjack. Blackjack is paid either 6 to 5 or 3 to 2, depending on the type of Blackjack you are playing.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a popular casino game. Earlier, it was only available in real casinos. But with the rise of online gaming, it’s now also available online. Blackjack is fast-paced, easy to learn, and offers some of the best odds in the casino. If you know what is Blackjack and use basic strategy, your chances of winning actually increase. In most games, luck is rewarded, but if you’re smart enough, every game can be lucky for you. 

Visit GullyBET for a safe and secure gaming experience. You can play and withdraw at any time you want using their safe online gaming policies.