Blackjack Dealer Rules Explained

Precisely understanding the rules a dealer must follow in Blackjack is essential for any serious player. Knowing the dealer’s obligations and limitations will help you better anticipate their behaviour, thus improving your approach to the game. This article provides a detailed overview of these mandatory rules, accompanied by practical examples and useful advice.

The Dealer’s Mandatory Actions

Unlike players who are free to choose their actions, the dealer makes no personal decisions: their moves are dictated by strict rules set by the casino.

When Must the Dealer Take Another Card?

The universal Blackjack rule is clear and non-negotiable: the dealer must hit as long as their total is 16 points or fewer.

• Practical Example: If the dealer initially has a total of 15 points (e.g., a card valued 9 and another valued 6), they must draw another card, even if all players already exceed this total.

When Must the Dealer Stand?

The dealer must immediately stand once reaching a total of 17 points or more. Once this threshold is crossed, no additional card may be drawn, regardless of players’ hands.

• Concrete Example: If the dealer reaches a total of 18 points, even if one player already has a higher total (for example, 20 points), the dealer is obliged to stop. They cannot attempt to improve their hand.

The Specific Case of the Soft 17

A "Soft 17" is a hand totalling 17 points that includes an Ace counted as 11 points, such as an Ace and a 6 (Ace-6). This type of hand offers particular flexibility.

What Exactly is a “Soft” Hand?

A "Soft" hand includes an Ace counted as 11 points. The total can therefore be adjusted based on subsequent cards drawn, as the Ace can revert to a value of 1 if necessary.

• Example: Ace + 6 (soft 17), Ace + 4 + 2 (also soft 17).

“Dealer Stands on Soft 17” (S17) or “Dealer Hits on Soft 17” (H17)?

Most casinos require the dealer to stand on a soft 17 ("Stand on Soft 17"). However, some casinos apply the opposite rule, forcing the dealer to take an additional card ("Hit on Soft 17").

• Impact: The "Hit on Soft 17" rule slightly favours the casino. Always verify which rule applies at the Blackjack table to adapt your strategy accordingly.

Detailed Sequence of the Dealer’s Actions at the Table

The dealer always acts according to a precise and strictly defined order dictated by the game’s rules.

Precise Order of the Dealer’s Actions

The dealer waits until all players have completed their actions (hit, stand, double down, split, surrender) before playing their own cards.

What Does the Dealer Do if They Bust?

If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21 points, they immediately announce "bust", and all players still in play automatically win.

• Example: If the dealer has 16 points and draws an 8, reaching a total of 24 points, they instantly declare a bust, and all active bets are immediately paid out to the players.

Announcing Results and Handling Ties ("Push")

If the dealer does not exceed 21 points, they announce their total and compare it with each player's hand:

• Tie (push): If the dealer and a player have exactly the same total (e.g., both have 19 points), no money changes hands. The player simply gets their initial bet back.
• Win or Loss: If the dealer’s total is higher than the player's (without exceeding 21), the player loses their bet. Conversely, if the player's total is higher, the player receives winnings equal to their initial bet.

Special Cases Handled by the Dealer

The Dealer’s Natural Blackjack

If the dealer achieves a natural Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card from the start), they announce it immediately:

• All players without a Blackjack immediately lose their bets.
• If a player also has Blackjack, it results in a tie ("push"), and the player’s initial bet is returned without additional winnings.

Precise Handling of Insurance

Insurance is offered by the dealer whenever their first visible card is an Ace. It allows players to bet up to half their initial stake that the dealer actually has Blackjack:

• If the dealer reveals a Blackjack: the main bets are lost (unless the player also has Blackjack), but the insurance bet is paid at 2 to 1.
  
• If there is no dealer Blackjack: insurance bets are lost, but the game continues as normal.
  
• Advice: In general, taking insurance is rarely profitable in the long run. Use this option cautiously.
  

Actions the Dealer Can Never Take

Unlike players, the dealer has absolutely no flexibility:

• They can never double down.
• They can never split their cards.
• They can never surrender their hand.

The dealer always follows predefined rules without making personal decisions. Understanding this allows players to precisely anticipate their reactions and refine their own strategies.

Minor Variations Affecting Dealer Actions

Certain regional variations affect how the dealer reveals their cards:

• In the United States, the dealer initially receives two cards (one visible and one hidden) and immediately checks for a potential Blackjack.
• In Europe, the dealer generally receives only one visible card and draws the second only after all players have completed their actions.

This nuance influences the players' gameplay: in the European case, players risk losing additional bets (like splits or doubles) if the dealer achieves an unexpected final Blackjack.

Practical Conclusion:

Mastering the exact rules that the dealer follows is fundamental to success in Blackjack. These strict rules ensure fairness and allow informed players to better anticipate each situation. Leveraging this knowledge, you can better structure your decisions during gameplay, improve your results, and enhance your overall gaming experience.

Always remember to check the table for potential rule variations (Soft 17, Hole card, insurance). Every detail counts to optimise your play and maximise long-term winnings.