How to Play Blackjack in Las Vegas

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in Las Vegas, thanks to its perfect blend of strategy and luck. Unlike games purely based on chance, such as roulette or slots, blackjack gives you the opportunity to make decisions that can directly impact your outcome.

Whether you’re a first-time player or just need a refresher before hitting the tables, this guide covers everything you need to know about playing blackjack in Las Vegas.

Before we get started and talk about how the game works, here are some common terms you should know.

Common Blackjack Terms You Should Know

These are terms you’ll hear during your game, and throughout the article. So it’s best that we begin by going over them.

Term	Definition
Hit	Take another card
Stand	Keep your current hand
Double Down	Double your bet, take one more card, and stand
Surrender	If you have two of the same card, you can split them into separate hands
Insurance	A side bet is offered when the dealer shows an Ace, betting they have blackjack (generally not a good bet)

Now that you know what these terms mean, we can talk about blackjack basics.

Blackjack Basics: How the Game Works

The goal in blackjack is simple. You want to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. 

You play against the dealer, not the other players at the table.

Card Values

• Number cards (2–10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10.
• Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on which benefits your hand.

Blackjack Game Flow

At the start of each round, the dealer deals two cards to each player and themselves. 

You then decide whether to take additional cards (“hit”) or stick with your current total (“stand”).

However, the dealer must follow a fixed set of rules, typically hitting on 16 and standing on 17.

If your hand is higher than the dealer’s without busting (exceeding 21), you win the round.

Basic Blackjack Strategy: What You Should and Should Not Do

Blackjack’s basic strategy is all about making the best decisions based on the value of your hand and the dealer’s face-up card. This strategy is rooted in mathematical work dating back to Baldwin in the 1960s and is designed to reduce the house edge to less than 1% when followed correctly.

This means that while blackjack involves luck, there’s a mathematically correct way to play every hand based on what the dealer shows. 

This is called basic strategy, and following it lowers the house’s edge significantly.

We can split these into what you should and should not do. 

You should:

• Always Hit on 8 or Lower: Your hand is too far from 21 to stand.
• Always Stand on 17 or Higher: The risk of busting is high if you hit.
• Always Split Aces and 8s: These pairs offer excellent opportunities to improve your hand.

You should not:

• Split 10s: You already have a strong hand of 20.
• Double Down on 11 (Unless Dealer Shows Ace): This is a prime doubling opportunity against most dealer upcards.
• Hit on 12 Against a Dealer’s 6: While seemingly counterintuitive, strategy dictates hitting in this specific scenario.
• Take Insurance Bets: The odds are stacked against you on insurance, making it a poor bet in the long run.
• Rely on Basic Strategy, Not Hunches: Stick to the mathematically sound strategy rather than guessing or relying on feelings.

To implement a basic strategy effectively, using a strategy chart is highly recommended.

Casinos allow them at most tables, so it’s worth keeping one on hand. You cannot keep your phone at the table, but you can keep a basic strategy card.

Blackjack Table Rules in Las Vegas

Not all blackjack tables in Las Vegas offer the same odds. Understanding table rules is critical to choosing games that are more favorable to players. 

The key differences lie in blackjack payouts and specific dealer rules, which directly impact the house edge and the casino’s statistical advantage in the game. 

Remember that blackjack payouts matter. Now let’s look at some common payouts.

Blackjack Payouts

3:2 payout is player-friendly. A $10 bet wins $15 on a blackjack. This payout offers a lower house edge. This issue is that the 3:2 payout can be hard to find, they’re usually out of the way in less accessible areas of the casino. Just as we said this piece of information, Palms Hotel announced that as of February 2025, they will pay 3:2 on all table games.

The 6:5 payout, on the other hand, is very common in Las Vegas. However, it is less favorable, so you should avoid it. A $10 bet wins only $12 on a blackjack, significantly increasing the house edge in favor of the casino. 

Even money is incredibly rare, but some tables might offer even money, paying $10 on a $10 bet for blackjack. This is the least favorable payout so you should definitely avoid it.

Now that we’re done with payouts, here are some important table rules.

Other Important Table Rules

Dealer Stands on Soft 17

Tables where the dealer stands on a soft 17 (a 17 including an Ace counted as 11), are more player-friendly. This rule slightly reduces the dealer’s chances of improving their hand without busting.

Dealer Hits on Soft 17

Tables where the dealer hits on a soft 17 increase the house edge.

Late Surrender

The option to surrender half your bet after seeing the dealer’s upcard (but before they check for blackjack) is beneficial for strategic players in unfavorable situations.

Re-splitting Pairs

Rules allowing you to re-split pairs (sometimes even Aces) can be advantageous in specific scenarios, increasing your potential winnings.

Minimum and Maximum Bets 

Table minimums in Las Vegas casinos vary widely. Like we said, it’s harder to find a 3:2 payout but those are the tables you should look for. Downtown Las Vegas casinos generally tend to have better player-friendly rules, while many Strip casinos have more 6:5 tables. 

Always check the table placard before sitting down.

Casino Etiquette at Blackjack Tables

As with pretty much every game in the casino, there’s certain table etiquette you should follow. Here is what you should do:

• When joining a table, place cash on the table in front of the dealer (not directly in their hand). The dealer will exchange your cash for chips.
• Tip the dealer, especially when you are experiencing a winning session or if they have provided good service. You can tip by placing chips directly in front of the dealer or by placing a bet for them.
• Use clear hand signals. In most Las Vegas blackjack games, cards are dealt face-up.
  • Hit: Tap the table with your index finger.
  • Stand: Wave your hand flat, palm down, horizontally.
  • Double Down: Place additional chips next to your original bet and point with one finger.
  • Split: Place additional chips next to your original bet and use two fingers to split your hand.

Here are some things you should not do:

• Don’t touch the cards. In face-up card games, players should not touch the cards. The dealer handles all cards.
• Play slowly. Make your decisions in a timely manner to keep the game moving at a reasonable pace.
• Be loud or on your phone. You need to be mindful of others: Avoid loud conversations on your phone or disruptive behavior that can detract from other players’ enjoyment.

Okay, so that was probably a lot of information to take in.

So whether you’re looking for a refresher or this is your first time playing blackjack in Las Vegas, here’s a checklist of tips for you to follow.

Blackjack Strategy Tips (For First Timers & Those Who Need a Refresher)

​​#1 Prioritize Learning Basic Strategy
Mastering basic strategy is the single most effective way to reduce the house edge. Use strategy charts and practice consistently so that the best moves become second nature.

#2 Always Choose the Right Table (3:2 Payouts)
Look for blackjack tables that offer 3:2 payouts.

This is the third time we’ve mentioned this, but this rule can’t be stressed enough.

This rule alone can have a massive impact on your odds. They might be hard to find, but you should always avoid tables with worse payouts.

#3 Set a Blackjack Budget
Decide on a specific amount to spend before you start playing, and stick to it. This is crucial for keeping your game responsible and your bankroll intact.

#4 Skip Side Bets
Side bets might be tempting, but they usually come with a much higher house edge than the main game. Avoid them if you want to preserve your money.

#5 When The Fun Stops, Stop

Whether you’re ahead or behind, set clear win and loss limits and stick to them. 

Winning streaks don’t last forever, and chasing losses can really hurt your bankroll. Besides, when the game is no longer enjoyable, you can leave the casino and try another activity, head out for a meal at one of the hundreds of quality restaurants, or unwind at a Cirque du Soleil show.

If you follow these five principles, you’ll be well on your way to playing smarter and enjoying a more profitable blackjack experience.

Play Smart & Enjoy The Game

Now that you know how to play blackjack in Las Vegas, you can walk into any casino with confidence. 

Stick to basic strategy, choose tables wisely, and most importantly, have fun while playing responsibly. 

If you’re new to the game, consider practicing online or at a low-stakes table before making bigger bets.

Good luck at the tables!