How To Play 21 Blackjack 101

21, also known as Blackjack or 21 Blackjack, is one of the most popular card games in the U.S. It can be won by luck, skill, bluffing, or a combination of all three. You can also win by counting cards, but you won’t be welcome in most casinos or home games if you do.

Now, let’s learn the ins and outs of classic Blackjack, Blackout Blackjack and 21 Blitz.

In this guide, you will learn:

• How to play 21 for beginners
• How to play Blackjack 21 at home or in casinos
• Where to play Blackjack 21 online for real cash and rewards

How Do You Play 21 For Beginners?

If you're new to 21, get ready for a thrilling ride! It all starts with mastering the essentials: knowing the game's objective, understanding the value of each card, and other key rules that will guide your every move. Jump into the sections below and discover the secrets to becoming a 21 pro!

The Objective of 21

The goal of the game is straightforward: beat the dealer by getting the hand that comes closest to or adds up to exactly 21, without busting (exceeding 21). If your hand busts, you automatically lose to the dealer.

How Much Is Each Card Worth in 21?

The card values in Blackjack 21 are pretty straightforward:

• Aces - 1 or 11 (each player can decide the value of the ace in their hand)
• Face cards (The king, queen and jack) - 10
• All other cards - Worth their face value (i.e., 3 of Diamond equals 3 points)

How Many Cards Do You Play With in 21?

If you're playing 21 at home with friends or family, all you need is a standard 52-card deck. In casinos, however, up to six decks are often shuffled together. When four or more decks are used, the dealer typically draws cards from a box called the “shoe.”
There’s no limit to the number of cards you can draw, but the more you take, the higher the risk of busting.

Blackout BlackJack

Blackout Blackjack brings a fresh, social and competitive twist to the classic Las Vegas table game! Play for real cash and exciting prizes in this innovative mobile version of Blackjack. Unlike traditional casino games, you’re not just playing against the house—you’re competing against friends and real players from around the globe. Powered by Skillz, this new take on Blackjack is an all new way to play and win purely based on skill, not luck.

21 Blitz

21 Blitz, powered by Skillz, combines the excitement of Blackjack 21 with the strategy of Solitaire. Use skill, not luck, to challenge real players and win real cash. You can start by playing against real people for free and switch to cash games when you're ready to compete for cash. The game is straightforward: score points by making 21s or creating stacks of five cards without busting. Each game uses a full deck, so it offers a great challenge for aspiring card counters. Both players get the same cards in the same order, so strategy and speed are the name of the game. Finish the deck before time runs out to earn a time bonus. You can also earn combos and streak bonuses.

Traditional Blackjack 21 Betting

If you're playing a casual game of 21, there's no need to worry about betting. But if money is on the line, each player places a bet before the hand is dealt. In casinos, this is done with chips. At home, you can use chips or cash.
Before betting begins, minimum and maximum initial wagers are set. After each player's first turn, they can choose to raise their original bet, while others at the table can either match the increase or fold. Experienced players might use strategies like insurance bets, side bets or double downs, but these are generally not recommended for beginners.

How Do You Play Basic Blackjack 21?

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to learn how to play the game of 21 step-by-step, as well as some Blackjack strategy.

Step One: The Deal

Before the cards are dealt, the dealer shuffles and one player cuts the deck. Then each player, including the dealer, is dealt one card face down in clockwise order. That step is repeated again so every player has two cards in their possession.
If you’re playing at home, both cards are typically face down. However, at many casino Blackjack tables the dealer's first card is face down, and their second card is face up.

Understanding “Naturals” in the Game of 21

Suppose the dealer's face up card equals 10 or 11. In that case, they should immediately look at their second card to see if they have a natural pair that equals 21. If their face up card is not a 10 or 11, they must wait until their turn to look at the second card.

If the dealer has a natural, they win the hand and collect bets from every player that doesn’t have a natural. If just one player has a natural, the dealer must pay them 1.5 times the amount of their bet (casino rules). At home, the original bet amount can be paid.

If both the dealer and another player have a natural, it’s a tie. The dealer doesn’t owe the player, and the player retains their original bet.

Step Two: “Hitting” in 21

Once you have your cards, it’s time to add up your totals and decide if you want to hit, stay or fold.
If the value of your two cards is a low number, usually less than 17, you may consider hitting, meaning you request an additional card from the dealer. At home, you can simply draw a card from the top of the deck when it’s your turn.
In a casino game, you gesture to the dealer you’re hitting by tapping your middle and index fingers on the table when it’s your turn. You can hit as many times as you need to achieve 21 or get as close to it as you can.

Step Three: “Staying” in 21

Once you’re happy with your hand, you can stay, meaning you choose not to select another card. Suppose you are dealt a king and a queen (totaling 20 points). In that case, you will likely decide to stay because the only thing that can beat your hand is a 21, and hitting again would likely result in busting.

Step Four: “Folding” in 21

Generally, it’s not advised to fold if you’re not playing for money. But if you’re betting, you may choose to fold if one of the players raises their bet and you’re not confident enough to match it.
Some Blackjack games allow players to fold after the initial deal, also called an early surrender, for half their original bet. Other games allow a late surrender where you can fold for half your original bet, as long as the dealer doesn’t uncover a natural hand on the first round.

Step Five: Dealer Rules

The dealer plays by a different set of rules. Once each player receives their first two cards, the dealer exposes their face down card. If the value of the dealer’s cards is 16 or less, they must continue taking cards until their total is above 17.
Suppose the dealer has an ace and counting it as 11 points would bring their total over 17. In that case, the dealer must stand and not select another card.

Step Six: Winning a Game of 21

After the dealer reveals a natural, stays, or busts; all other players must show their cards. Those who beat the dealer in a game of Blackjack without busting receive double their bet. For example, if you bet $3, you would receive $6 back from the dealer.
If a player goes bust, they lose their original bet no matter what, even the dealer. The dealer only pays the players who beat them and they do not pay or receive bets from players with identical scores.

Where to Play Blackjack 21 On Your iPhone Or Android

Tired of learning about 21 and ready to start playing? Check out our unique and fun assortment of mobile 21 Blackjack games where you can play real players, for real cash and prizes.
Every game on the Skillz platform offers fair competition where you can play confidently against real players using your skills, not luck. Get started now!