Welcome to our guide on how to play blackjack. You’re going to learn the rules of the classic casino card game here.
Blackjack is one of the oldest and most popular card games in the world. It has been around since medieval times, but today you are far more likely to play blackjack online since it is readily available at virtually every casino on the web.
Whether you are playing live dealer blackjack for real money, or digital blackjack on your mobile device with a computerized dealer, the way the game unfolds will be pretty much the same, with the difference that in most digital games there won’t be any other blackjack players at the table.
So what are the rules of blackjack and how do you play blackjack? Let’s explore both of those questions.
The Rules of Blackjack
Blackjack rules can fall into two basic categories: blackjack etiquette, or how the game should flow, and objectives, or how to win blackjack.
The aim of blackjack is to get 21 or as close to 21 as possible when you add up the total value of your cards. Each card is assigned a number value, and when the total is added up, the player with the highest value not exceeding 21 wins.
A total of 21 itself is called ‘blackjack’ and it is the best hand to receive. It is impossible to beat this hand, but it is possible to draw if both the player and dealer have a hand worth 21. Where a draw occurs, this is called a push. A two card hand to the value of 21 will beat a three card hand to the value of 21, though, so keep that in mind.
All number cards will retain their face value, eg a four of hearts will be worth four, whereas all face cards like Jacks, Queens, and Kings, will be worth 10, and an Ace will be worth either 11 or 1, according to how you choose to play it.
To begin with, the dealer will distribute two cards each – two to you and two to himself. One of the dealer’s cards will be face up, allowing you to see it, while one will be face down. It is up to you to look at your cards, look at the dealer’s up-facing card, and calculate your probability of beating him.
If the two cards you have been dealt total a low value, for example, 10 or 11, it may be best to exercise the option of requesting a ‘hit’ or another card. You can do this again until you are satisfied, but you have to be careful because if you exceed 21 you will go ‘bust’ and automatically lose.
So, when you decide your total is high enough to play against the dealer with a decent probability of beating him, you then ‘stand’ and the dealer turns over his down-facing card.
If neither of you has a total of 21, then whoever has the closest value to 21 wins. For example, if you have a hand worth 20 (eg two Kings) and the dealer has a hand worth 14 (eg a Queen and a four), you win.
That’s how blackjack is played and how to win in a nutshell. Now we should take a look at some important blackjack terms.
Blackjack Glossary & Key Terms
Blackjack – When your total is bang on 21, you have blackjack. You can’t lose with blackjack, but you can draw.
Bust – Exceed the value of 21 by receiving too many hits, and you are bust. When this happens you have lost the game.
Bust Card – That card you request that drives you bust is called the bust card. It is usually a bad idea to receive more than one hit, as the 2nd hit is all too often the bust card.
Five Card Charlie – If you request three hits and end up with five cards without going bust, this is known as five card Charlie. You will get a 2:1 payout for receiving it since it is so rare.
Hit – To ask for another card is to ‘hit’.
Hole Card – This is the second card the dealer receives. It will be downward facing.
Insurance – When the dealer is showing an Ace, and you think there is a possibility he has blackjack, you can take insurance. This will cost you half of your original bet amount but it will ensure you come out evens if the dealer does indeed have blackjack.
Push – When you and the dealer draw, this is called ‘push’. The bets will be returned.
Split – If you receive two cards of identical rank, eg two Kings, you can split them and play them as two hands. You will have to place a bet for each one.
Upcard – Remember how the dealer has one card facing upward? This is called the upcard.
Blackjack Reminder
> There are lots of different versions of blackjack, but the most popular form is classic 21. That’s the version this article outlines.
> Even if there are other players at the table, such as in live dealer blackjack games, you are up against the dealer, as are the other players.
> The aim of the game is to get 21 or as close to it as possible without going bust.
> You may request further cards after your initial two, but be careful not to go bust or you lose right away.
> If you think the dealer has blackjack, you can take insurance to come out even if he does.
> Remember, all number cards are worth face value, whereas face cards are worth 10 and Aces can be played as either one or 11, it’s up to you.
Blackjack Summary
Playing blackjack online is extremely fun, and it is something you can do at basically every casino on the web.
Blackjack didn’t get to be so popular for no reason. It’s thrilling, enjoyable, and is one of the few games in the casino where you can genuinely adopt a winning strategy and beat the house.
Get a blackjack bonus at any of the casinos we have mentioned above to get started. Good luck!
