Game Overview
Blackjack, also known as 21, is the most widely played casino game in the world. The objective is simple: beat the dealers hand without exceeding 21. What makes blackjack unique among casino games is that your decisions directly impact the outcome, making it one of the few games where skill can significantly reduce the house advantage.
In Las Vegas, you will find blackjack tables at every casino, from the high-limit rooms of the Strip to the casual floors of downtown. Table rules vary significantly, affecting the house edge, so understanding these variations is essential for maximizing your chances.
Basic Rules
Each card has a value: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and Aces can be worth 1 or 11. You receive two cards and can choose to Hit (take another card), Stand (keep your current hand), Double Down (double your bet and receive one card), or Split (if you have two cards of the same value, split them into two hands).
The dealer must follow specific rules, typically hitting on 16 or less and standing on 17 or more. A natural blackjack (Ace plus a 10-value card) typically pays 3:2, though some casinos have reduced this to 6:5, which significantly increases the house edge.
Basic Strategy
Basic strategy is a mathematically optimal way to play every hand based on your cards and the dealers upcard. By following basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge to approximately 0.5%. Key principles include always splitting Aces and 8s, never splitting 10s or 5s, doubling down on 11 against dealer 2-10, and standing on hard 17 or higher.
Basic strategy charts are available and legal to use at the table. Many players keep a small card in their pocket for reference. Casinos allow this because they know most players will not follow it consistently.
Table Selection Tips
Look for tables that pay 3:2 for blackjack rather than 6:5. Single and double-deck games typically offer better odds than six or eight-deck shoes. Tables where the dealer stands on soft 17 are preferable to those where the dealer hits soft 17. Liberal doubling and splitting rules also favor the player.
Best Casinos for Blackjack
Downtown Las Vegas generally offers better blackjack rules than the Strip. El Cortez is famous for its single-deck games. On the Strip, look for $15-25 minimum tables at properties like The Orleans, South Point, or Red Rock for better rules. High-limit rooms at major casinos often offer the best rules for serious players willing to bet more.