American Blackjack Guide: Rules and Tips to Win

American Blackjack is a popular variation with a house edge ranging from 0.5% to 1%. In this game, a natural win (Blackjack) pays more than a regular win, and insurance payouts are available when the dealer shows an Ace. The game offers excitement for both beginners and experienced players. In this article, I’ll walk you through the rules, payouts, and the main differences between American and European Blackjack. Enjoy reading!

American Blackjack Explained

American Blackjack is a popular version of blackjack in U.S. casinos. The dealer is dealt two cards immediately: one face-up card and one face-down card, known as the hole card. If the hole card is a 10 or Ace, the dealer checks for blackjack right away. This rule lets you avoid betting more if the dealer has blackjack. 

American Blackjack is played with 4 to 8 decks of cards. American Blackjack is played with 4 to 8 decks of cards. Players can double down on a total of 9, 10, or 11, and they also have the option to split pairs, with the opportunity to double down after splitting. A Blackjack pays 3:2, and the dealer must hit on any total below 17, including a soft 17. This rule gives the house a slight edge over the players.

Interestingly, many casinos don’t call this style of Blackjack "American Blackjack." Instead, they may use names like Vegas Downtown, Vegas Strip, or Vegas Single Hand Blackjack. This note helps players avoid confusion when they see different names for the game.

American Blackjack is available in most large and small casinos. If you want to experience the game, you can easily choose how to play whether online, at a casino, or through a mobile app.

American Blackjack House Edge

The table below shows the difference in house edge between the two versions.

Number of decks used: American Blackjack uses 6 - 8 decks, making card counting harder and increasing the house edge.

Dealer Rules: The dealer shows one card (upcard) and checks for Blackjack if it's an Ace or 10. If the dealer has Blackjack, the round ends and all players lose, unless they also have Blackjack. This can sometimes reduce the house's advantage.

Payouts: Payouts for a Blackjack are usually 3:2 or 6:5. Many casinos now offer Blackjack 6:5 payout, which increases the house edge, as players win less on Blackjack.

American Blackjack rules

Here are the important rules for American Blackjack that every player should know:

• American Blackjack uses between 6 to 8 decks of cards.
• Payouts can be either 3:2 or 6:5.
• The dealer checks for a Blackjack if their upcard is an Ace or a 10.
• The dealer must stand on a soft total of 17.
• Players can only split Aces once and can use only one card for each Ace after splitting.
• Players have the freedom to double down on any hand value.
• Players can split their hand up to 3 times.
• After splitting, players can still choose to double down.
• Aces can only be split once.
• Achieving a total of 21 with split Aces does not count as a Blackjack for the player.
• Cards valued at 10 can be split, even if they are different.
• Players have the option to surrender, which allows them to forfeit their hand and lose only 50% of their bet if they think they are likely to lose.

How to Play American Blackjack

Step 1: Place your bet

Start by putting your chips on the table to place your bet.

Step 2: Deal the cards

Both the dealer and you get two cards. The dealer’s cards include one face-up card and one face-down card (the hole card).

Step 3: Check for Blackjack

If you have an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), you win automatically with a Blackjack, which pays 1.5 times your bet. If the dealer also has a Blackjack, it’s a tie (push).
If you don’t have a Blackjack, move to the next step.

Step 4: Take your action

Decide how to play your hand:

• Hit: Draw another card.
• Stand: Keep your current hand.
• Double down: Increase your bet and receive a single additional card.
• Split: If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two hands and place an additional bet for the second hand.

Step 5: Dealer’s turn
Once you’re done, the dealer reveals their hole card and follows these rules:

• If the dealer has 16 or less, they must take a card (hit).
• If the dealer has 17 or more, they must stop (stand).

Step 6: Decide the outcome

• If your total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win the round.
• If your total goes over 21, you bust and lose your bet.
• If the dealer busts, you win.
• If both hands are equal, it results in a tie, and your bet is refunded.

American Blackjack vs European Blackjack: What are the Differences?

To better understand why American Blackjack is more favorable to the house, let’s compare the two versions of Blackjack. Both American Blackjack and European Blackjack are variations of the classic Blackjack game, but they have some differences in rules and payout structures.

This table will help you better understand the differences between the two versions of Blackjack.

In American Blackjack, I feel like I have more options to shape the game my way. There’s the option to double down, use insurance to protect my bet, and even surrender if the round isn’t looking good. These choices help me manage my bets better and give me extra chances to boost my winnings. 

One thing I like about this version is that if the dealer gets a Blackjack, the game ends quickly, so I’m not waiting around. It feels efficient, which can be nice in faster-paced games.

However, American Blackjack usually uses 6 - 8 decks of cards, which makes it a bit harder to keep track of the cards in play. Also, some tables only pay 6:5 for Blackjack instead of the usual 3:2, which can lower my potential winnings and give the house a slightly higher edge. So, I find it’s a bit of a trade-off between more options and these added challenges.

European Blackjack, on the other hand, is a bit simpler. I appreciate that it offers a steady 3:2 payout for Blackjack, which means I can expect better returns overall. Since it only uses 2 decks, it’s easier for me to keep track of which cards have been played, which can be helpful if I’m trying to follow the game closely.

But, European Blackjack doesn’t offer as many options. There’s no insurance or surrender option, and fewer chances to double down, which limits my control over the game in tricky situations. It feels a bit more straightforward, which can be nice if I’m looking for a simpler experience without too many choices.

In the end, it depends on what I’m in the mood for. If I want more control with extra options like doubling down, insurance, or surrender, then I might go for American Blackjack, keeping in mind the extra decks and lower 6:5 payouts. 

But, if I’m after a simpler, steadier game with better payouts and don’t mind fewer options, European Blackjack is probably the way to go. Either way, it’s about finding the game that fits my style!

American Blackjack: Tips & Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to guide you and increase your chances of winning in American Blackjack.

• Double down with 9, 10, or 11, and split 8s or Aces. Doubling down after splitting is a big advantage.
• Split 8s and Aces to maximize your chances of winning.
• Stand on a hard 17 if the dealer has 7 or higher to avoid busting.
• Hit on soft 18 if the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace.
• Stand with 12 or 13 if the dealer shows 6 or lower, as the dealer is more likely to bust.
• Take advantage of tables where the dealer must hit on soft 17 to increase your edge.
• Choose tables that pay 3:2 for blackjack to maximize your profit.
• Be mindful when the dealer checks for blackjack to avoid making extra bets if the dealer has blackjack.
• Only increase your bet when you have an advantage, avoid betting too much.

You should focus on the dealer's upcard to make smarter decisions

The Bottom Line

American Blackjack is a popular version of Blackjack, but it has a payout structure that favors the house. However, if you're looking for a challenge and want to improve your skills, it's a fun option. Before you start, make sure to ask the staff about the table rules to avoid surprises, and play smart to maximize your chances of winning.