Quick Guide to Blackjack Rules
As mentioned, the rules governing how blackjack is played can vary from place to place, and there might even be several different versions played in the same place. That said, there are sets of standard rules that you'll typically find in place in the big gaming centers — Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
The following lists will give you an idea of what to expect in these cities. We've also included a list of rules that you might find if you play blackjack in Europe.
Las Vegas Strip Blackjack Rules
Uses anywhere from one to eight standard decks of fifty-two cards.
Cards shuffled at end of each game.
Blackjack beats other 21-value hands.
Splitting rules: Maximum of three times per game, totaling four hands.
Aces only split once.
If aces are split, each ace receives one card. Hand automatically stands.
Double down allowed after receiving first two cards.
Double down allowed after a split.
Double down bet is equal to the original bet.
Insurance rules: Insurance offered if dealer's first card is an ace.
Insurance costs half of original bet.
If dealer has blackjack, insurance pays at 2:1.
Las Vegas Downtown Rules
Uses two standard decks of fifty-two cards each.
Cards shuffled at end of each game.
Blackjack beats other 21-value hands.
Dealer hits on soft 17.
Splitting rules: Allowed three times per game for four hands total.
Aces only split once.
When aces are split, each dealt one card. Hand automatically stands.
Double down allowed on first two cards.
Can double down after splitting.
Double down bet is equal to original bet.
Insurance rules: Offered if dealer's up card is an ace.
Insurance costs half original bet.
Insurance pays out at 2:1 when dealer has blackjack.
Atlantic City Blackjack Rules
Played with eight standard decks of fifty-two cards.
Cards shuffled at end of each game.
Blackjack beats other 21-value hands.
Dealer stands on soft 17.
Players can surrender cards and forfeit half original bet amount.
21-value hands do not equal blackjack.
Splitting rules: Allowed maximum of three times per game for four hands.
Aces only split once.
If aces are split, each ace dealt only one card. Hand automatically stands.
Double down allowed on first two cards.
Double down bet is equal to original bet.
Double down allowed after a split.
No double down if blackjack.
Insurance rules: Insurance offered if dealer's first card is ace.
Insurance bet is half of original bet.
European Blackjack Rules
Two standard decks of fifty-two cards.
Cards shuffled at end of each game.
Blackjack beats other 21-value hands.
Dealer stands on 17, draws to 16 value of 17.
Splitting rules: Allowed on two cards of the same denomination.
10-value draw card on a split ace is valued at 21, not blackjack. Rule also applies to 10-value splits.
Double down allowed on 9-, 10-, or 11-value hands.
No doubling after splits.
Double down bet equal to original bet.
Insurance rules: Insurance offered if dealer's first card is an ace.
Insurance bet costs half the original bet.
