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Home > How to play Blackjack

Learn How To play Blackjack

When you learn how to play blackjack you must understand that although the basic rules repeat from one casino to another, each casino may have its own variation of rules. Each player who wants to learn how to play blackjack should start by studying the explanations of the terminology and by learning that the Blackjack is a card game that can be played with one-eight 52 card decks. The values of the cards are different according to the rank (e.g. small cards 2-10 are valued as indicated, all the face cards (Jack, Queen and King) have the value of 1-10 points, and Aces can be counted as 1 or 11). The best hand in Blackjack carries the name of the game and is any hand of first two cards that comprises an Ace and a 10-point card (21 points), and it usually pays 3:2, all the other winning hands usually pay even money. In case dealers hand and players hand are the same (a hand that totals 21 does not equal blackjack) the hand is a push. The player hand wins in case his hand is higher than dealer and does not exceed 21 (if the hand goes over 21 it is a Bust, and automatically loses). To learn how to play blackjack, player must understand that the house advantage lies in a fact that if both the player and the dealer bust, the player loses.

The game begins

In order to become a winner, players need to learn how to play blackjack. The game starts with placing the bets on a wagering circle in front of each player. The dealer deals each player including himself two cards. While the player’s cards are dealt face up, the dealer cards are dealt one facing up (face up card) and another facing down (hole card). In case dealer up card is an Ace or a ten, the dealer checks the other card for a possible Blackjack, in such case all the bets lose except for other blackjacks that tie.

If the dealer face up card is an Ace, all the players are offered to insure their bets in the cost of extra 1/2 of the initial bet. Insurance usually pays 2:1. In case dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, the insurance bets are lost. If the dealer face up card is an Ace, and the player has a Blackjack, the dealer offers the even money bet. That means that in case both dealer and player have Blackjacks, and the player has bet even money, he will receive an even money return (usually 2:1) additionally to his initial bet. The even money bet is a lot like the insurance bet. After all the players have accepted or declined the insurance and even money bets, the dealer checks for blackjack. 

Options

All the beginners must learn how to play Blackjack starting with the set of available player options. The game continues, if the dealer does not have a blackjack. Players play their hands in turn choosing one of the possible options.

  • Stand In case the player does not want another card and would like to keep the hand as it is, the player stands.
  • Hit In case the player is not satisfied with his hand and would like to take another card, the player hits for extra card and may do it as many times as he wishes unless he busts.
  • Double In case the player is positive that one and only one extra card will make his hand a winning one, he may choose to Double Down. This option requires extra bet of ½ of the initial bet or even less which is then called Double Down for less. Double Down can be chosen on first two cards or sometimes also after splitting.
  • Split If the first two player cards are of equal rank, the player may split them into two separate hands. This option requires extra bet of the equal value as the initial one. Mostly, splitting is allowed to make up to four hands, however re-splitting Aces is an exception.
  • Surrender In some casinos player has an opportunity to surrender on his first two cards. In such case the player gives up half of his initial bet as well as his cards. If the players are allowed to surrender only after dealer checks for a Blackjack, this type of surrender is called Late. If the player is allowed to surrender before the dealer checks the hole card, this type is called Early surrender. Although the option of Early surrender is very good for the player, it is a very rare bonus.

When you learn how to play blackjack, you find out that the dealer plays his hand only after all the players have finished. The dealer’s options are limited and he must strictly follow the casino rules. Usually, the dealer hits on 16 or less and stands on 17 or more. In some casinos, the dealer must hit if the 17 point hand is a soft hand (Ace and 6 points). In case the dealer busts, all the players that did not bust win.

Remember, when you are in the casino for the first time when you're still on your way to learn how to play blackjack, do not be afraid to ask around for advice.