About the game
Blackjack is a card game where you compete against the dealer. Your goal is to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. Number cards count at face value, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10, and Aces are worth 1 or 11. You can hit (take another card) or stand (keep your current hand).
Also known as Twenty-One, Blackjack is the most popular casino card game in the world. Unlike most casino games, Blackjack has a skill element — basic strategy can reduce the house edge to less than 1%. This free version uses standard rules with no real money involved.
How to play
- You and the dealer each receive two cards. One of the dealer's cards is face-down.
- Look at your hand. If you are happy with the total, stand. If you want a higher total, hit.
- After you stand, the dealer reveals their face-down card and draws until they reach 17 or higher.
- Whoever is closer to 21 without going over wins. A tie results in a push (your bet is returned).
Controls
| Hit (take a card) | Click Hit or press H |
| Stand (keep hand) | Click Stand or press S |
| Double down | Click Double Down or press D (doubles your bet, takes exactly one more card) |
Five beginner tips
1. Never hit on 17 or higher
The odds of busting are too high. If you have 17-21, always stand — even if the dealer might have 20.
2. Always split Aces and 8s
A pair of Aces gives you two chances at 21. A pair of 8s (total 16) is the worst hand — splitting gives you two chances at a better total.
3. Never split 10s or 5s
A total of 20 is already strong. Splitting 10s throws away a winning hand. A pair of 5s (total 10) is better doubled.
4. Watch the dealer's face-up card
If the dealer shows a 2-6, they are likely to bust. Play conservatively and let them go over 21.
5. Don't chase 21
A hand of 18 or 19 is strong. Don't risk busting to get a perfect 21 — the odds are against you.
Why you'll like it
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill actually matters. The decision-making on every hand — hit or stand, split or double — makes it genuinely engaging, and the free version means no financial risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is this real money?
No. This is a free, no-money version of Blackjack. Play for fun.
What is "double down"?
You double your bet, take exactly one more card, and then stand automatically.
Does it use real card shuffling?
Yes — the deck is shuffled between hands using a random number generator.
Game credit: Open-source Blackjack implementation. MIT licence by JordanBlount.