In this guide we cover how to play the mini-game of blackjack in Red Dead Redemption 2, from the rules and locations you can play the game to help you get started playing blackjack.
RDR2 Blackjack Locations
Where to play Blackjack in Red Dead Redemption 2
Below are the areas in the map where you can find and play blackjack.
- Main camp: times vary, but you can play at your main camp with other gang members.
- Rhodes: In the saloon at the south end of the town.
- Van Horn: The saloon is centered in the middle of the town.
- Blackwater: located in the center of the town on the main street in the saloon.
Note: You can only play blackjack in Blackwater if you have progressed enough in the main story.
RDR2 Blackjack Rules & Overview
The game of blackjack is to beat the dealer by having the total value of your hand of cards be closer to 21 than theirs without it going over ('busting'). The game is played with only you and the dealer, but other players are playing as well.
Before cards are dealt in a round, each player chooses how much they want to bet on their hand. The players and dealer are then dealt two cards each. Players' cards are dealt face-up, but one of the dealer's cards is initially hidden.
Each player has one turn in which they may choose to receive another card (hit). and more additional cards until they either bust out or stand with the total score of their hand of cards.
Once all players' turns are finished, the dealer will reveal their hidden card. The dealer's turn has a fixed strategy: if the score is less than 17, the dealer is required to hit. If it's 17 or higher, the dealer must stand.
Players will win if their score is closer to 21 than the dealer's score, or if the dealer busts out. Players lose if they bust, or the dealer's score is closer to 21. If a player and the dealer have the same score, then the hand is a 'push' and the player's chips will be returned.
RDR2 Blackjack Card Values
- Number cards 2 to 10: face value.
- King: 10.
- Queen: 10.
- Jack: 10.
- Ace: 1 or 11. The value used for each ace is whichever puts the hand's score closest to 21 without busting.
If the first two cards of a player's hand are an ace and any ten-value card (10, King, Queen, or Jack) that player has a blackjack because their cards total 21. A blackjack is an automatic win unless the dealer also has blackjack, in which case the hand is a push.
A blackjack win pays 3:2 instead of the usual 1:1 payment for winning a hand.
RDR2 Blackjack Betting
After receiving your first two cards, you have up to four options. The list below describes the many ways to play.
Hit
The dealer adds another card to your hand.
Stand
Ends your turn without taking another card.
Double Down
You can choose to double down as long as you only have two cards in your hand. This doubles the value of your current bet, and gives you one - and only one - additional card. If you don't have enough chips to cover the additional bet, you can't double down.
Split
If your first two cards have the same value, you will have the option of splitting your hand. This separates your cards into two hands which are played independently. The new hand has a bet value equal to your initial bet - if you don't have enough chips to cover the cost of this additional bet, you will not be allowed to split.
If a split hand has an ace and a ten-value card, it is not considered a blackjack. Doubling down is allowed on split hands.
Blackjack Insurance
If the dealer's face-up card is an ace, you will be given the option of buying insurance. The maximum insurance is half of your current bet. The dealer will then check their hand for a blackjack. If they have one, you win 2:1 on your insurance bet but lose your initial bet, and the round is over. If the dealer does not have blackjack, all insurance bets are lost, and the round continues as normal.
Even Money
If you have a blackjack when insurance betting starts and you bet the maximum insurance, this is known as taking even money. In this situation, whether the dealer has blackjack or not, you are guaranteed a payout of 1:1. If the dealer has blackjack, you will win the insurance bet and push your original stake. If the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose the insurance bet, but payout for your blackjack. Both resolve to a payout of 1:1.
We hope this beginners guide will help anyone starting off a good idea on how to play the game and the rules for it. For the other Mini Games and Activities in Red Dead Redemption 2, see all the Table Games Guides and check out the complete Guides Section.