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HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK
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Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in the casino. It’s popularity is partly because it is an easy game to learn and since it requires no special equipment—just some cards and chips—it can be played anywhere. The basic goal of the game is to beat the dealer. This can be done by finishing with a number closer to 21 than the dealer has or by the dealer busting. Let’s take a look at this popular game and learn how to play it in minutes.
The Real Casino Difference
If you are playing in a real casino, you will normally have other players at your table. Online players have a one on one game against the dealer. In real world play, the cards are dealt to each player in a clockwise motion starting with the first player on the dealer’s left. This position on the table is known a first base. Each player receives one card per dealing round and a total of two cards to stop. The cards are normally face down, however some casinos use a “no hands” version of the game. In this version, all cards are dealt face up and players simply tell and motion their moves instead of touching the cards. Again, in online play, you are the only player so it’s you and the dealer.
The Game
The cards are dealt and now the action begins. If you are at a real casino, the player at first base (first player to dealer’s left) acts first. Once that player is done, the action repeats in a clockwise manner until it’s the dealer’s turn. The dealer will always show one card—called the upcard. Each card is equal to its printed value. Face cards are worth 10 points and an Ace can be one or eleven—you choose.
When it is your turn, you have the following actions available to you (usually):
Hit: When you “hit”, you are asking the dealer for another card. You can continue to hit until you are satisfied with your card count or until you “bust”, which means going over 21.
Stand: When your hand is satisfactory, you stand and end your turn.
Double Down: When you double down, you increase your bet by doubling it and take one final card. The most common double down is when you have eleven. You can only double down on your initial hand. Once you take a card, this option is off the table—unless the casino has special rules.
Split: If you are dealt two cards of the same kind, like two 8’s, you can split them into two separate hands.
Surrender: Not all casinos offer surrender as an option. If you don’t like your first two cards, you can surrender, which means giving up half of your bet and quitting the hand.
Insurance: When the dealer has a possible blackjack, the dealer will ask if you want insurance. Insurance pays 2 to 1 and you can take insurance for up to half of your bet. In other words, if you take insurance and the dealer has blackjack, you push. If the dealer does not have blackjack, you just lost half of your bet.
The game of blackjack is fun and the house advantage is low. How good you are factors heavily into your winning ability since the game is loaded with player interactivity. The game is played with a number of decks, usually from one deck to eight decks. The lower the number, the better it is for the player.