The goal of blackjack is straightforward—to end the round with cards with a higher value than the dealer’s but not above 21. How well you know and play the game significantly impacts your winning chances.
Why?
The dealer plays based on a set of rules. For example, if the value of his cards is over 17, they can’t take any more.
So, all you need to do is decide when to take more cards and risk going over 21 and when to keep a lower score and possibly lose to the dealer. Our guide unpacks the game in detail, including popular bet types, tips to win, the best sites to play blackjack, and more.
Bookmaker | Bonus | Play | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | AfricaBet | 50% Deposit Match up to $100 | Bet Now |
![]() | Premier Bet | 150% Deposit Match up to $150 + 50 Free Spins | Bet Now |
![]() | Spin City | 20 Free Spins | Bet Now |
Blackjack Basic Rules
Blackjack is played with a deck of 52 cards with different values or points assigned to them. All number cards (2-10) carry their face value. Cards such as King, Queen, and Jack score 10 points, while the Ace can be a 1 or 11.

As mentioned, the goal is to beat the dealer. To do that, you must finish with cards with a total higher than the dealer but not above 21.
A typical round of blackjack looks like this:
1. Place Your Bets and Deal

Tap the amount you’d like to bet and tap place bet to put your chip on the table. Tap “Deal” and the dealer deals four cards. Your cards face up, and the dealer has one facing up and the other facing up.
2. Hit, Stand, Split, or Double Down
You decide whether to draw another card (Hit) or keep your cards (Stand). You can also double your bet and get another card if you think your hand is strong.

Another option is splitting. Here, you double your bet and create two new hands with each of your cards. This means you start getting two cards with your next decisions.
In this case, I had an 18. This is very close to 21, so I predicted the dealer would go over 21 (Bust) if they kept getting more cards to reach my score.

This is what ended up happening, and I won this round.
Play Another Round
This round, I got 12 and decided to Hit. However, I got a 10 and ended up Busting at 22.

I’m sure by now you get the gist of this game. It’s all about decisions.
- Do you get another card and become stronger than what the dealer can possibly get?
- Do you stick with your lower score and hope the dealer Busts trying to beat you?
- Or do you get a big score with your first two cards and win without hassle?
The video below shows 1 minute of me playing a quick round of blackjack. You can see the decisions explained in this section play out in real-time.
The good thing here, is you decide when to stop playing. If your account has $100 and you play $1 per round, it’s totally okay to win and lose, then call it a day when you’re $5 ahead.
…you decide when to stop playing… it’s totally okay to win and lose, then call it a day when you’re $5 ahead…
Basic Blackjack Payout Structure
Standard payouts in blackjack are as follows;
- Standard winning hand – 1:1
- Natural blackjack (Ace and a 10) – 3:2
- Insurance Bet – 2:1
Blackjack Betting Options
Once cards are dealt in blackjack, you make a decision based on how strong your hands are to hopefully win the round. Here’s what to generally do in the different cases.
Strong Hands
18-20 or Blackjack (An Ace and a face card) are generally strong hands. If you have these, you can comfortably Stand.
Weak Hands
16 is statistically considered to be the weakest hand in blackjack. Why? The dealer has a decent chance of beating it. But if you Hit while you already have 16, you have a very high chance of going Bust.
When to Hit
As you now already know, Hitting is when you ask for another card. Do this if your total is 11 or lower, or if the dealer’s card is a 7 or higher.
When to Stand
Keep your cards if your hand total is 17 or higher or of the dealer’s up card is between 2 and 6.
Doubling Down
Here, you double your wager to receive one more bet. Avoid this if you have a hand higher than 11. It increases your chances of going bust.
Choosing Where to Play Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most played card games in online casino games. Because most sites offer it, we have our work cut out for us when picking the best Zimbabwean betting sites. However, the following combination of factors always steers us in the right direction.
Blackjack Variations
Blackjack variations are innumerable. The best sites go beyond offering standard to more unique variants. While we expect to see staples like American and European Blackjack, we look for fascinating variants like Multiplier Blackjack or Blackjack Switch.
The idea is to explore a wide range of titles for unmatched excitement. AfricaBet has the widest range of Blackjack games.
Bookmaker | Bonus | Play | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | AfricaBet | 50% Deposit Match up to $100 | Bet Now |
Live Dealer Options
Blackjack can be enjoyed as an RNG game or live dealer option. Casinos that also present live dealer blackjack variants get a higher rating in our books.
Players get to participate in engaging live blackjack rooms led by a real-time dealer for a realistic gaming experience. You can sign up with Spin City for excellent live dealer blackjack.
![]() | Spin City | 20 Free Spins | Bet Now |
Software Studios
We rally behind blackjack sites that work with industry-leading game developers. Evolution Gaming is our go-to for top-notch live dealer options.
Software studios like NetEnt take care of the regular blackjack titles if quality gaming is what you’re after. You can’t go wrong with AfricaBet for blackjack from the best software providers. You’ll experience no glitches and better-winning chances.
Bookmaker | Bonus | Play | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | AfricaBet | 50% Deposit Match up to $100 | Bet Now |
Bonuses
The best blackjack sites offer lucrative bonuses and promotions linked to popular Blackjack titles. Plus, they ensure blackjack games contribute significantly to the wagering conditions.
AfricaBet is undoubtedly the GOAT of both welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
Bookmaker | Bonus | Play | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | AfricaBet | 50% Deposit Match up to $100 | Bet Now |
Blackjack Strategy and Tips – How to Win Blackjack
We’re going to let you in on a few strategies and tips you can use to maximize your overall success and enjoyment of the game.
Stay Away from Insurance Bets
With a 2:1 payout, Insurance Bets are pretty tempting, especially when the dealer has an Ace as an upcard. But the reality is the wagers don’t have the best track record. Instead of helping you win, they tend to erode your bankroll quicker.
Place Small Bets
If you’re new to blackjack, ease yourself into things by starting with small wagers. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the game, observe other players, and find your footing at low risk. You can always up the stakes when you’re more confident in your skills.
Use Strategy Charts

Blackjack strategy charts tell you the action to take, given the value of your hand. For instance, it tells you to Hit when your hand value is between 4 and 8 or to Stand if it’s 17 to 21. This information guides towards the best betting decision at any given time.
Common Blackjack Side Bets and Features
Blackjack has many variants, most with side bets or additional wagers on outcomes beyond the player or dealer winning. Most of them have fixed odds and higher payouts than regular wagers. Here are the most popular:
- Insurance: This bet covers you if the dealer winds up with a blackjack. You place it if the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
- Perfect Pairs: You predict the outcome of the first two cards and whether they’ll be mixed, colored, or a perfect pair.
- 21+ 3: This takes into account the player’s first two cards plus the dealer’s face-up card. You wager on if these 3 cards will make various combinations such as a Flush, Straight, and Three of a Kind.
Full Blackjack Payout Structure
Blackjack’s RTP can be as high as 99.5% if you employ good strategies. Each blackjack bet you make has a different payout.
A winning hand pays out 1:1, while natural blackjack payouts 3:2. Below is a full lineup of the blackjack payouts for different side bets:
- Insurance– 2:1
21+ 3 bets
- Flush –5:1
- Straight– 10:1
- Three of a Kind– 30:1
- Straight Flush– 40:1
- Suited three of a kind– 100:1
Perfect Pairs
- Mixed Pair– 5:1
- Coloured Pair– 10:1
- Perfect Pair– 30:1
Start Playing Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games due to several reasons. Firstly, the fast-paced nature of the games makes it great for players looking for simple fun. The card game has one of the lowest house edges, and you can significantly balance the playing field using skill and strategy.
Blackjack is simple to learn with easy-to-follow game rules, so anyone can try their hand. With just the right combination of skill strategy plus a dash of luck, the odds could be in your favor. You can sign up with AfricaBet, claim your bonus, and start playing now.
Bookmaker | Bonus | Play | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | AfricaBet | 50% Deposit Match up to $100 | Bet Now |
Blackjack Guide FAQs
💰 Which Blackjack titles have the highest payouts?
Spanish 21, Blackjack Switch, and Pontoon are some blackjack variants with the highest payouts.
❌ Which Blackjack variant should I stay away from?
We advise you to stay away from any blackjack title you're not familiar with. First, practice it in demo mode to get the hang of it before spending your real money.