Blackjack Rules
Blackjack is probably the most well-known and widely played casino game in the world. What has made this card game so popular is its combination of easy-to-follow rules and fast-paced excitement. It is said to be closely related to old card game’s 21, Spanish 21 and Pontoon, although it is uncertain where exactly the game originated. Learning how to play Blackjack won’t take too much time, but learning how to win will require a bit of effort.
The Basics of Blackjack
Blackjack is essentially a game of player vs. dealer. Even though other players may be seated at the table, the game focuses solely on the dealer’s hand and the player’s hand. The main objective is to get the value of the cards to add up (or get as close as possible) to 21. If a player goes above 21 they will have gone “bust”.
Out of a standard deck of 52 cards, each of the number of cards will be worth their face value, while the Jack, Queen and King are worth 10, The Ace can be worth either 1 or 11. Some Blackjack games will draw from 4 to 8 decks (held in a container known as a “shoe”), but for beginners it will be best to stick to one.
Playing the Game
The game of Blackjack starts with the player making a bet – the dealer then hands out two cards, laid face down on the table (for games dealt from the shoe, the cards are given face up). The dealer also receives two cards, with one facing up but the other facing down – known as the “hole” card.
When you first begin playing Blackjack you will quickly see how much the game will rely on the value of your first two cards. If you are dealt an Ace and another card this is known as a “soft” hand, while a “hard” hand is one with no Aces and, of course, less options to play with. The best hand to be dealt, known as a “Blackjack”, is an ace with a picture card, adding up to 21.
For online casinos, usually up to 6 or 7 players will set the minimum and maximum bet for a table. After the players and the dealer receive their cards, they can then get down to playing the hand. If a player calls a “hit” they will be given a third card to add to their total hand value. However, there is also the option of calling a “stand” or “stick”, and playing with just the first two cards.
Some versions of Blackjack will also allow you to “double down”, which basically means that you can double your initial bet in return for receiving just one more card from the deck. Online casinos can sometimes allow players to make a second bet for less than the value of the first.
Another tactical approach is the “split pair” where a player splits the first two cards into separate hands, putting down a second wager. The dealer treats this as another hand at the table.
If things aren’t going according to plan, there is also the option to “surrender” a hand, which will result in only half the bet being lost. However, this move must be made before the dealer reveals their hole card; it is also at the discretion of the casino to allow surrenders in a game.
