American blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games worldwide. It is the standard version you’ll find in most Las Vegas casinos, online tables, and live dealer games. Like all blackjack games, the goal is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over.
American blackjack is very similar to European blackjack, but there are key differences that affect strategy and how the dealer plays.
How American Blackjack Works
In American blackjack, each player is dealt two cards, and the dealer is also dealt two cards, with one card face up (the upcard) and one card face down (the hole card).
Players decide whether to:
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Hit – take another card
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Stand – keep their current hand
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Double down – double their bet and take one more card
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Split – separate a pair into two hands
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Surrender – forfeit the hand and lose half the bet (if allowed)
Number cards count as their face value, face cards count as 10, and Aces can be 1 or 11.
Key Rules of American Blackjack
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The dealer checks for blackjack immediately if their face-up card is an Ace or a 10-value card.
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Dealer must hit until reaching at least 17.
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Blackjack usually pays 3:2.
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Doubling down and splitting are allowed, often with more flexibility than in European blackjack.
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Surrender is sometimes allowed depending on the casino.
The Hole Card Rule
The main difference between American and European blackjack is the hole card.
In American blackjack:
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The dealer receives both cards at the start.
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If the dealer has blackjack, the round ends immediately. Players lose unless they also have blackjack.
This rule reduces the risk for players compared to European blackjack, where the dealer does not get the second card until the end of the round.
Insurance in American Blackjack
If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, players can take insurance, which is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack.
Insurance is generally not recommended because it increases the house edge, but it can be used strategically in certain situations.
House Edge in American Blackjack
The house edge in American blackjack is typically low when you use basic strategy, often around 0.5% to 1% depending on the rules and number of decks.
Key rule variations, like whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, or if surrender is allowed, can affect the edge.
American Blackjack vs European Blackjack
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Dealer’s hole card: American blackjack has it at the start; European blackjack does not.
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Surrender: Often allowed in American blackjack, usually not in European.
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Doubling and splitting: American blackjack usually allows more options.
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House edge: Slightly lower in American blackjack because the dealer’s blackjack is checked immediately.
Is American Blackjack Good for Players?
Yes. American blackjack is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced players. Its clear rules, low house edge, and widespread availability make it a great game to learn and enjoy.
Using basic strategy, understanding dealer rules, and managing your bets can make a big difference in your long-term results.
Final Thoughts
American blackjack is the classic version of the game that most players know and love. The hole card rule, flexible betting options, and clear payouts make it a fun and strategic table game.
FAQ
What is the difference between blackjack and American blackjack?
“Blackjack” is a general term for the game where players try to get 21 without going over. American blackjack is a specific version of blackjack with rules like:
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Dealer gets a hole card at the start
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Dealer checks for blackjack immediately
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More options for doubling, splitting, and sometimes surrender
Other blackjack versions, like European or Spanish 21, have different rules.
How to play American blackjack?
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Place your bet.
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Receive two cards; the dealer also gets two cards (one face up, one face down).
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Decide whether to: hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender (if allowed).
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The dealer plays according to set rules (usually hits until 17).
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Compare your hand to the dealer’s hand to see who wins.
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Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) pays 3:2.
Is blackjack an American game?
Not exactly. Blackjack has European origins, dating back to the 1700s.
The modern version played in most U.S. casinos is American blackjack, which adapted rules for the American casino style.
Is 21 the same as blackjack?
Not always.
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21 is any hand that totals 21 points.
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Blackjack is a special type of 21 made with two cards only: an Ace and a 10-value card.
Blackjack usually pays more than a regular 21, often 3:2.
