Blackjack Basics
While there are many variations of blackjack, the basic rules are very simple and easy to master. If you're a beginner, you can learn to play quickly and start enjoying the game immediately. No wonder blackjack is one of the most popular games in the world. What's even better is that most online casinos offer you the opportunity to learn to play for free!
The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting cards whose value equals 21 or is as close as possible to 21 (without going over), and higher than the value of the dealer's cards.
- Card values:
- Spot cards (2-10) = the value of the card
- Face cards (jack, queen, king) = 10
- Aces = 11 or 1 (whichever gets you closest to 21; a dealer's ace is ALWAYS valued 11)
Here's how it works:
Each player (there are usually up to five players at a 'table', whether you're playing in a real casino or online - but remember, you're only playing against the dealer) including the dealer, is dealt two cards to start. If your first two cards are an ace and a face card or a 10, this is blackjack and your payout will be 1.5 times the amount of your bet.
Add the value of your cards. You can ask to receive as many more cards as you'd like by hitting (the only exception is when you double down) or you can decide to stand. If your hand goes over 21, it is bust and you lose your bet. If your first two cards are of equal value, you may split your hand, in which case you will be playing TWO hands and will have to place a bet on the second hand equal to your original bet.
If you decide you would rather not play this hand, you can surrender, in which case you will lose only half your bet.
In general, the dealer must hit if his cards equal 16 or less, and must stand if his cards equal 17 or more. If both a player and the dealer have hands with the same value, it is considered a tie (known as a push) and the player gets his wager back. That's basically it - you're ready to start playing! To choose a casino where you can practice your blackjack for free, click here.
- Blackjack Glossary
- blackjack - also known as a natural 21; when the first two cards a player is dealt are an ace and either a face card or a 10, this is known as blackjack. This hand beats 21 achieved with three or more cards.
- bust - when the value of the cards in a hand exceeds 21.
- double down - you can double your bet but are allowed only ONE card in addition to your original two.
- hit or hitting - to draw another card. You may draw as many cards as you wish.
- push - when a player and dealer tie. The player gets his bet back.
- split - If the first two cards you are dealt are equal in value (e.g. two face cards), you may split your hand into two hands, in which case you will have to place a bet on the second hand which is equal to your original bet.
- stand - keep the cards you have without drawing another one.
- surrender - a player may decide not to play a hand, in which case he loses only half his bet.