How to play?
When we first tried this game across several top online casinos, we noticed that the basic rules stayed the same. Each round begins once you place your bet on either the "Player" side, the "Bank" side, or a tie. After all bets are placed, both sides receive two face-up cards. We aim to reach a total as close to nine as possible. Getting exactly nine, or what many call a "natural," is ideal. Getting eight also counts as a "natural," but nine is still the stronger hand.
We like that most reputable online casinos, including some of the top competitors we’ve tried, display these rules clearly. Yet, not all of them make it simple. Some platforms bury the rules behind menus, while others provide neat on-screen guides. In our experience, the value of each card is straightforward: cards 2 through 9 keep their number value; face cards count as zero; and Aces count as one. Unlike other card games, you only use the last digit of the total. For example, if you get a 7 and a 9, the total would be 16, but you count it as 6.
After we see the initial two cards on both sides, the next moves follow strict rules. The "Player" hand always acts first. If it totals between 0 and 5, the "Player" side must draw one more card. If it is 6 through 9, the "Player" side stands and draws no more cards. This logic remains consistent across most top-tier online casinos we’ve tested, though a few competitors provide an interactive chart that shows when the "Player" should draw or stand. We appreciate these visual aids because they help newcomers feel more confident.
The "Bank" side then takes its turn, and this is where the game may feel complex. We’ve seen some online casinos simplify these rules with hover-over tooltips, while others expect you to memorize them. As reviewers, we understand this can frustrate new players. The Bank’s decision depends both on its own total and on whether the "Player" took a third card. We break it down for clarity:
1. If the "Bank" total is 0-2, it always draws unless the "Player" side holds a natural. Even top competitors stick to this rule, making it consistent no matter where you play.
2. If the "Bank" total is 3, it stands only if the "Player’s" third card is an 8. Otherwise, it must draw. We’ve found no differences in how major sites apply this rule.
3. If the "Bank" total is 4, it stands if the "Player’s" third card is 0, 1, 8, or 9. In all other cases, it draws. While some online casinos label these third-card rules within their help sections, others just leave players to figure it out.
4. If the "Bank" total is 5, it stands if the "Player’s" third card is 0-3, 8, or 9. Otherwise, it draws. We’ve seen a few top competitors offer a handy chart that makes remembering these details easier.
5. If the "Bank" total is 6, it draws only if the "Player’s" third card is a 6 or 7. In all other cases, it must stand. We find this particular detail is often where new players get stuck, so having a clear reference can help. Some competitors highlight these rules with bright graphics.
6. If the "Bank" total is 7-9, it must stand no matter what. At most casinos, this part is very clear and easy to remember.
As for payouts, a bet on the "Player" side pays even money (1:1). A winning bet on the "Bank" side usually pays 19:20 due to a small commission, a detail we’ve seen remain standard across all our tested casinos. A winning tie bet pays out at 8:1, but keep in mind that if you bet on "Player" or "Bank" and the result is a tie, you get a push. Some competitors offer side bets or variations on these payouts, but from what we’ve tested, the structure stays fairly similar. While the rules don’t vary much, the presentation, ease of learning, and table limits can differ, so we find it wise to compare options before settling on where to play.
Canada
India
Suomi
Svenska
