American Blackjack: Rules, Payouts and Strategy

American Blackjack is one of the most popular card game variations played in both online and land-based casinos. While it follows the traditional Blackjack rules, it introduces some key differences that affect strategy, gameplay, and House Edge.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the essential aspects of American Blackjack online, including its rules, betting options, and how its payouts compare to other variations.

What is American Blackjack?

American Blackjack is a popular card game variant where players compete against the dealer to achieve a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Unlike European Blackjack, the dealer in American Blackjack receives two cards at the start—one face up and one hole card (face down). If the upcard is an ace or a ten-value card, the dealer immediately checks for Blackjack, reducing the risk for players.

Typically played with six to eight 52-card decks, the game follows standard Blackjack rules, but with some strategic differences, such as the dealer standing on soft 17 and the option for players to double down after splitting. 

American Blackjack Rules and How To Play

The core objective in American Blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. This version follows traditional Blackjack rules, but with key differences that impact strategy and gameplay.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing American Blackjack

1. Place Your Bet – Players begin by placing their wagers according to the table limits.
2. Cards Are Dealt – The player and dealer both receive two cards. The player’s cards are face-up, while the dealer has one face-up card and one hole card (face-down).
3. Dealer Checks for Blackjack – If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace or a ten-value card, they immediately check their hole card for Blackjack. If the dealer has it, the round ends, and all non-blackjack hands lose.
4. Player’s Turn – Based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard, the player can choose from several moves: (Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, Take Insurance, Surrender)
5. Dealer’s Turn – After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hole card. In American Blackjack, the dealer must stand on soft 17 (a hand that includes an Ace valued as 11).

Game Outcomes

• If the player's hand beats the dealer’s, they win and receive a payout.
• If the dealer’s hand is stronger, the player loses their wager.
• If both hands have the same total, it’s a push, and the bet is returned.

American Blackjack Payouts

• Blackjack pays 3 to 2.
• Standard win pays 1 to 1.
• Insurance pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack.

American Blackjack Strategy

1. Hi-Lo Card Counting Strategy – A popular and simple card counting method where players assign values to cards to track the ratio of high to low cards in the deck. Low cards (2-6) are counted as +1, high cards (10-Ace) as -1, and 7-9 as 0.
2. Oscar’s Grind – A progressive betting strategy that focuses on steady profit with minimal risk. Players start with a base bet and only increase it by one unit after a win while keeping it the same after a loss.
3. The 1-3-2-6 Betting System – A structured bankroll strategy designed to take advantage of winning streaks. The sequence works as follows: Bet 1 unit, then increase to 3 after a win, then 2, then 6. If a player loses at any point, they reset to 1.