Blackjack: Basic Strategy and How to Count Cards

How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack owes its enormous popularity to its simple rules. To play it, you only need to remember the value of the cards and watch a couple of games. 

In blackjack, the casino representative is called a “dealer” or “croupier”, the player is a “guest”, and the positions at the table are “boxes”.

Here’s how a hand in blackjack proceeds:

1. Before receiving cards, the player places a bet. In a casino, a sign at the specific table sets the minimum and maximum amounts. Online, the limits are indicated in the lobby. 

2. The dealer deals 2 cards each: to the player and themselves. The guest's card values are no secret — everyone can see them. One of the dealer's cards is face down, the other is face up.

3. If the player believes they have accumulated enough points, they do not take additional cards. Then the dealer reveals the hidden card and either stops or takes a new one. If the player is not satisfied with the number of points, they request an additional card.

4. The dealer compares the points and pays out the money.

The main goal of the game is to beat the casino representative. You can win in blackjack in two ways:

• Outscore the dealer in points. For example, we scored 20 points, the dealer — 19. The victory is ours.

• Catch the opponent on a bust. If a participant of the hand scores more than 21 points, they automatically lose. This is one of the key rules of blackjack.

To play successfully, let's break down the key aspects of the card game. First, let's consider the blackjack combinations and the point scoring system. 

Combinations. The card value determines the number of points. Blackjack rules equate “picture cards” from jack to king. Each scores 10 points. Number cards pose no difficulties — their points correspond to their value. A two gives 2 points, a five — 5 points, a seven — 7 points. The ace plays a special role. It can be worth 1 point or 11 points, determined by the player. During a hand, the dealer announces both point totals. For example, if a player is dealt an A4, they can have either 11+4 = 15 points or 1+4 = 5 points. 

Winning Calculation. If the player scores 21 points with two starting cards, they have a “blackjack”. A higher reward is paid for the combination, using a 3:2 ratio. For example, if a guest bets $100 and hits AJ, the casino returns $100 and adds another $150. A win without a blackjack will double the bet: took the risk with $50, got it back, and the dealer paid another $50. If the guest loses, the casino takes the money. The method of winning doesn’t matter: the guest doesn't need to pay extra if the dealer hits a blackjack. In case of a tie, the player gets their bet back.

Additional Actions. During a hand, a player may: 

• Make a split. If the guest is dealt a pair, they can play two hands simultaneously. To buy this right, you need to make another starting bet. A pair of Aces creates a special situation. When splitting aces, the player can only draw one card per hand.  

• Double the bet. When the guest receives starting cards, they can increase the amount at stake. Double the bet when the starting hand has 10 or 11 points. If the player takes this option, they can only receive one additional card. 

• Surrender. For half the starting bet, you can exit the hand. Usually, this is done when it's challenging to achieve a needed card, and the dealer has a good chance of winning. For example, the player has 15 or 16 points, and the dealer already has 9 or 10 points.

• Take insurance. If the dealer shows an Ace, the guest has the option to insure. This action costs half the starting bet. If the second card gives the dealer a blackjack, the insurance amount is doubled, compensating for the first bet loss. However, if the dealer doesn't get a blackjack, the opponents continue the hand, but money for the insurance isn't returned.

Suits do not affect the number of points

Investing money in insurance is not recommended as it leads to losses in the long run.

Let's list other blackjack rules:

• The game uses a table with special markings. 

• Up to 6 people can play at one table simultaneously.

• Guests are prohibited from touching their cards.

There are different variations of blackjack, so game rules may vary.

How to Win at Blackjack

For successful blackjack playing, several conditions should coincide:

• the player perfectly knows the strategy and can count cards;

• the dealer uses the minimum number of decks.

The basic blackjack strategy involves following an outcome table. In simplified form, it can be reduced to the rule: “If the player has X points and the dealer has Y, then he should take action Z”. For example, when the guest has 8 points and the dealer has 10, they take another card. Optimal solutions for blackjack have long been calculated and compiled into a table.

Hit — take another card. Stand — stop. Double — double the bet. Split — split the hand and play two hands simultaneously.

Top players know the blackjack table by heart. You can easily find an online blackjack calculator. The user specifies their hand and the dealer’s cards, the program suggests the best action. Advanced calculators also consider the number of other guests at the table.

The ability to count cards also influences results. Mastering this skill only requires knowledge of basic principles and practice. Cosmic IQ or telepathy is not necessary. The essence of the method is as follows:

• The player participates in hands and remembers the dealt cards.

• Gradually, the proportion of cards in the deck changes, altering the chances of winning. For example, if small cards have been regularly dealt in previous hands, there will be more high-value cards remaining in the deck. The more there are, the higher the likelihood of success in future hands.

• The guest continues playing with increased chances of winning or leaves the table.

There are different methods for card counting. They all operate on the same principle. More complex systems offer increased accuracy. Let's consider two methods:

• Plus-minus. Card values are divided into 3 groups. The first group includes cards from two to five, scoring +1 point. The second includes card values from six to nine, worth 0 points. For cards from T to A, 1 point is subtracted. Before the game starts, the point sum is zero. The higher the point total, the more favourable it is to play.

• Halves. The logic remains the same, but calculations are more precise thanks to fractional numbers. Two gives 0 points, three and four give 1, five gives 1.5, six gives 1, seven gives 0.5, and eight gives 0. When a nine is dealt, 0.5 points are subtracted. For cards from T to A, 1 point is subtracted from the sum of the deck.

Casinos discourage card counting. If the establishment realises a guest is counting cards, they will be banned from playing and blacklisted. Most companies in the gaming industry collaborate, so the client won’t be allowed to blackjack tables at other casinos. The blacklist is not the only problem players face. Many casinos load up to 6 decks into shuffle machines. Counting skills work with fewer cards. An increase in the number of decks reduces the method’s effectiveness.

An online calculator can help hone decisions on the Blackjack table

Knowing key mistakes also increases chances against the casino. At the blackjack table, you should not:

• Rely on intuition. Instead of making informed decisions, many players listen to their “gut feeling”. Refraining from mathematical considerations increases losses. Some guests recklessly take extra cards, while others hesitate and stop earlier. Profitably making decisions is aided by the blackjack table, not intuition.

• Imitate the dealer. Dealers are encouraged to aim for 17 points. Many guests mimic this and stop at 17 points. When planning, it’s useful to look at card combinations. For instance, when holding an ace, one can safely take an additional card. The dual nature of A provides protection from an automatic loss.

• Use insurance. Many guests take insurance when they see the dealer has an ace or ten. Fear of a possible blackjack results in poor decisions. Insurance doesn’t cover the payout of a blackjack; in the long run, it only increases losses.

It's also useful to remember the rules of bankroll management. Do not engage in games you cannot afford.

Where to Play Blackjack Online

To try blackjack, you don't need to go to a casino. You can get acquainted with the card game on social media. There are applications for blackjack on smartphones. Let's discuss both options.

Social Networks. You can play blackjack on VKontakte or Telegram. To find it on a social network, you need to: 

1. Go to the “Games” tab.

2. Type “Blackjack” in the search box. The queries “Point” or “21” also work.

3. Select one of the applications.

In November 2025, “Ochko / Twenty-One” holds leadership with 133,000 users. The app’s advantages include its simple design and high game speed. The second place is held by “Blackjack 21: Blackjackist”, played by 51,000 people. This less popular app offers full-fledged blackjack. During a hand, a player can: take insurance, double the bet, or exit the hand for a buyout.

The application does not allow exchanging virtual chips for real money. Therefore, do not purchase virtual currency

In Telegram, you can play blackjack with a bot in a mini-application. To find it, type “Blackjack bot” in the Telegram search box.

Mobile Applications. There are dozens of individual clients for blackjack on Google Play and the App Store. Count in universal apps where blackjack accompanies other gambling entertainment, and the count reaches hundreds. On Android smartphones, the mobile version of “Blackjack 21: Blackjackist” leads, downloaded more than 10 million times. On iPhones, the “Blackjack” app dominates.

You cannot win money in mobile applications or social networks. Users play with virtual chips in both cases. However, in-game currency is sold for real money. Reversing the process is not allowed either. Most modern poker rooms offer the option to play for money. Alongside poker, they offer slots, online casinos, and blackjack. However, we do not recommend playing blackjack for money. There are more interesting and profitable card games available.

Why Poker is Better than Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game with a negative expected value. Over time, it only profits the casino. In poker, the organiser takes a commission from each pot, so the identity of the winner doesn't matter. The outcome against other people depends on the player's skill level. 

The superiority of poker is easy to see when comparing the prizes of the biggest tournaments. The winner of the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event — Michael Mizrachi — received $10,000,000. Blackjack hasn't seen tournaments of this level since 2007. Then, the champion — Alice Walker — took home $500,000. 

The winner of the WSOP 2025 Main Event received $10,000,000. There are no such prizes in blackjack

Playing poker is more interesting than blackjack. The rules and participation of others create thousands of unique situations. With the same hand, a poker player can go all-in pre-flop or see all the streets of betting to the showdown. In no-limit hold'em, players aren’t restricted by fixed bet sizes. In a pot of 7 BB, a poker player can invest 1 BB, or 35 BB. In blackjack, a guest may double the pot size, but no more. In poker, players profit from opponents' mistakes. In blackjack, bluffing the dealer is impossible as they always act according to instructions.

Games also differ in the learning process. Studying poker requires thousands of hours of training and practice. Playing in 3-bet pots, blind defence, post-flop bluffs — each topic demands time and attention. In poker, there is always room to grow. The basic strategy for blackjack spans a few A4 sheets. Learn the blackjack table — and you’re ready to face the dealer. However, beyond the basics, there is nothing more to learn in blackjack.

In blackjack, the player is positioned as the underdog. The rules leave no opportunity to gain an advantage in the long run. A guest's skill only affects the speed of bankroll loss. In poker, a player is only limited by their skills.

How to Learn Poker

The vast amount of materials and learning methods is another advantage of poker over blackjack. You can reach a new level through: reading books, watching videos, using software, observing streamers, and sessions with a coach. Let's discuss each option in detail.

Reading Books. Hundreds of books are dedicated to poker strategy. Many aren’t worth your time. However, there are truly valuable works. For instance, “The Mathematics of Poker” by Roy Rounder. The author provides excellent explanations of quickly calculating outs and pot odds. More about books is discussed in a separate article.

Watching Videos. There are tens of thousands of poker videos on YouTube. Within minutes, you’ll find material on any topic. In recent years, the language barrier has diminished — some browsers offer decent real-time translation. Strategies are taught on the FunFarm channel. Subscribe so you don’t miss theme videos and tournament breakdowns.

Interview with trainers and students of the fund is posted on the channel. They share their experiences and give advice to novice poker players

Working with Software. Analyzing your mistakes is an effective way to learn. Solvers, calculators, and push/fold trainers help to eliminate most strategy gaps. Read more about useful poker software in the FunFarm article.

Watching Streamers. Many professionals broadcast sessions on Twitch, Kick, and other platforms. Some regularly explain their decisions and answer viewer questions. Getting free advice from strong players in exchange for attention or a subscription is a worthwhile deal. FunFarm coaches also conduct sessions on Twitch. Subscribe so you don’t miss interesting and helpful streams.

Sessions with a Coach. The fastest way to improve is to hire a mentor. An experienced coach will delve into the student’s strategy, identify thinking errors, and propose solutions. Finding a good coach can be challenging. How do you verify their skills? Are they teaching outdated methods? Does their methodology suit the student? Many are deterred by the high fees: good mentors charge a lot.

Want to get on the professional track but don’t know where to start? We recommend joining the FF Start program. In the free course, we teach poker fundamentals. If you master the theory and pass the exam, we’ll gift you a starting capital of $50. Beginners in the school are not just taught basic poker information, but they also solidify their knowledge through practical tasks.