Game rules for Blackjack

Overview

Blackjack is a classic game played with decks of cards on a specially-designed table. It is a classic combination between luck, skill and excitement and is one of the most sought after games at casinos today. By learning the basic blackjack strategy, players can bring the house down significantly down.

Objective of Blackjack

The object of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to the total number of 21, without exceeding that number (known as ‘going bust’). Blackjack is played against the dealer and the other players around the table have no impact on the game.

Card Values in Blackjack

All cards keep their own numerical value, and suits are of no importance. The Ace is worth one or eleven and the ‘royal cards’ (King, Queen and Jack) are worth 10.

How to Play Blackjack

Two cards are dealt to the player face down. The dealer deals himself one card face up and the other face down.

If you have been dealt an ace and a card valued at 10, you have a blackjack and are paid out accordingly.

At this stage, players can make an insurance bet where they essentially wager that the dealer has been dealt a blackjack. This bet usually pays out 2:1.

Players then need to decide what to do with their two dealt cards. There are several options available, including hitting, standing, splitting, surrendering and doubling down.

If you are satisfied with your cards and feel that requesting another will cause you go ‘bust’, you should opt to stand.

If you wish to be dealt another card to bring up your total, you should opt to hit.

If you are dealt two cards of equal denomination, you may split your cards and create two separate hands. You will need to make an additional bet equal to your original one.

If you are confident with your hand, you can double your original bet in exchange for one more card. This is known as doubling down.

Some blackjack versions allow you to surrender your hand in exchange for half your bet.

Winning at Blackjack

Your hand will win if it is closer to 21 than the dealer’s or if the dealer went bust. Payouts are according to the blackjack version being played and the casino rates.

Blackjack Variants

Although most blackjack games are based on the original game, the online industry has introduced several exciting variants. Some of these include:

Single deck blackjack – only one deck of 52 cards is used in this game. There are no surrender options.

Blackjack switch – players are dealt two separate hands and can switch cards between the two.

Blackjack surrender – variants of the game where the surrender option is available.

Conclusion

Players who enjoy the action of a card game with the challenge of learning its strategy, will love the different variants of blackjack available in the industry today.