How to Play Blackjack

The basics of blackjack are that you must accumulate a total as close to 21 as possible without going over, as well as getting closer than the dealer. All cards with a face have a value of 10, an ace is worth 1 or 11, depending on the circumstance, and all other cards are worth their face value.

The best possible hand is an ace and a 10, which is known as a blackjack, and is an automatic win, unless of course you tie with the house.

In many casinos, especially in casino gaming online, a blackjack table usually sits between 6 people, and before any cards are dealt, all players that are playing must place a bet. Once wagers have been placed each player will be dealt two cards face up, whilst the dealer is dealt two cards, one face up, the other face down. It is then up to the players how they proceed, they either have the choice of at any point during their turn:

The player can Hit, to draw more cards in an attempt to get as close to 21 as possible without going bust or Stand, where they will stick with the cards they have drawn, and wait for the dealer’s turn.

During the first decision of their turn the player also has two extra options available to them, these are:

Double Down, where the player doubles their bet on the premise that they draw one more card and stand with it, or in certain circumstances they can Split. A Split is only available if the two cards they hold are of the same value. These cards are separated and the player is essentially now playing two hands, as the dealer draws another card face up on each of the created hands. These hands will be played out as a normal hand from now on.

The player is also allowed to make an insurance bet before the dealer reveals his card. This is where the player believes the dealer has a blackjack, and the bet costs half the initial bet that was placed. If they are right then they win back on odds of 2-1, if not then they lose whatever was wagered.