How to Play Blackjack
Blackjack
Blackjack is the game of 21. It first appeared in French casino tables in the 18th century. The term "blackjack" originally referred to a suited ace and jack of spades, but now it refers to any two-card hand with a total of 21.
Objective
In blackjack, it is each player against the house as represented by the dealer. The goal is to have a higher total card score than the dealer, but without exceeding 21 points.
Card Values
Blackjack cards take on their usual values. Cards 2-10 have their face values. The king, queen and jack are counted as 10. The ace can be either 1 or 11 whichever is more helpful to the hand.
A hand with a 10-valued card and an ace is a natural or blackjack.
How to Win in Blackjack
There are two ways to settle a blackjack game:
- If neither player nor dealer exceeds 21, the one with the closest score to 21 wins.
- Either the player or the dealer exceeds 21 (a bust), causing the other to win automatically.
The Blackjack Table
A blackjack table is good for up to 6 players. The minimum and maximum bets allowed at a table are drawn on the table. Make sure you can afford a table before playing in it.
Dealing the Game
After all the players have placed their bets in their betting circles, the deal begins. Each player and the dealer receive two cards. One of the dealer's cards is dealt face down. Usually, the players' cards are all face up.
Blackjack and the Dealer
Depending on the rules in a real casino, online casino or software, the dealer may check for a blackjack first. If they have a blackjack, the dealer wins immediately. Other rules let the player play first. If it is the player who has a blackjack, they are paid 3 to 2 or some other depending on the casino rules. If both dealer and player have a blackjack, it is a push or tie. Whenever both dealer and player stand with the same total score, it is a push.
Blackjack Play
After blackjacks are settled, players start playing beginning with the one on the dealer's left.
A player may stand or stay with a hand if they are happy with it. Usually if your hand is 17-21, you will always stand.
If the hand is low like 2-11, it is impossible to bust with the next card. Of course you will always hit or draw a new card.
A player can also split their cards into two hands (betting twice more), double their bet and hit one last time, or surrender their hand if they don't like it.
You can hit as often as you like as long as you do not bust (exceed 21). When you are happy with your hand, you stand and let the next player's hand be addressed.
If you bust, you lose immediately and play moves to the next player.
Dealer and Payment
When all the players have either stood or busted, the dealer must act. Generally, the dealer must keep hitting until they arrive at a total of 17 or higher. At 17 or higher the must stand. Again, if they bust, they lose immediately and pay everyone concerned.
After the dealer has either busted or stood, it is time to pay out. The dealer collects all losing bets and pays out all winning bets. It is always the player against the dealer in blackjack. The players do not compete with one another. This takes the tension out of the game and lets everyone relax and play for fun together.
These are the general rules of blackjack. They vary from casino to casino and web site to web site. Make sure you understand the rules perfectly before you play. If you are not sure, don't hesitate to ask the dealer.