Cards & dice
How to play 21 or Bust
Get close to 21. Know when to stop.
- Players
- 2–8
- Devices
- 1 shared device or 1 phone each
- Round length
- About 1–3 min
- Play mode
- Shared device or online room
Then choose 21 or Bust in the game list. No account required.
The rules
Everyone starts with two cards. Take turns hitting for another card or standing. Face cards are worth 10. An ace counts as 11, or 1 to avoid busting. Above 21 busts. After everyone finishes, the highest total at or below 21 wins. Equal totals tie. No dealer, betting or cash.
What you need and how to start
Choose 21 or Bust and select the player count for a shared-device game; names are optional. Alternatively, create a room and invite friends to join on their own phones.
In a room, choose the game first. Everyone, including the host, taps I’m ready. The host then taps Start to begin.
Open the web app in your device’s browser. Playing requires JavaScript. Multiplayer rooms require an internet connection on every device. Use the game’s ? button whenever you want to check the rules.
More cards & dice games
- Liar’s Dice — Your own cup. Five dice. A table full of bluffs.
- Higher or Lower — One card is showing. What comes next?
- In Between — Two cards set the gap. Will the next fit?
- Big or Small — Three dice. Two sides. One big reveal.