Blackjack is a popular casino game for players of all levels of experience. While the game is relatively simple to understand, there are a few basic rules to play the game correctly at the real money online casino.
We will examine some of the essential blackjack rules you need to know. By the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of how to play blackjack and avoid making common mistakes.
The Object of the Game
The primary goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a higher total point value than theirs. Players can accomplish this by getting a hand total more elevated than the dealer’s or by the dealer going over 21 (“busting”).
The Deal
Blackjack typically uses six or eight decks of cards, which are all shuffled together. The dealer will then deal each player two cards, face up. The dealer will deal themselves two cards, but they will only reveal one of them.
Point Values
In blackjack, each card has a different point value. The numbered cards (2-10) are worth their face value, meaning a two is worth two points, a three is worth three points, and so on. The ace is worth either 1 or 11 points (known as “soft” and “hard” aces), and the queen, jack and king are all worth 10 points.
Blackjack
If a player gets dealt an ace and a ten-valued card (known as a “blackjack”), this is the highest possible hand, and the player will automatically win unless the dealer also has a blackjack. In this case, it is a “push,” and the player’s bet gets returned.
Hitting and Standing
After each individual has received their initial two cards, they can “hit” and receive additional cards or “stand” and keep their current hand. Usually, players will hit when they have a hand total under 21 and want to increase their chances of winning. Players will stand when they feel they have a strong enough hand to beat the dealer.
When making this decision, a few elements to consider are the dealer’s face-up card and your hand. Generally speaking, you should hit if you have a hand value of 12 or less and stand if you have a hand value of seventeen or more.
Doubling Down
Players can sometimes “double down,” meaning they can double their bet and receive one additional card. This is usually only allowed on the player’s initial two cards.
Doubling down is only advisable in certain situations, such as when you have a hand value of 10 or 11. Doubling down is especially beneficial when the dealer’s face-up card is a five or six.
Splitting Pairs
If a player gets dealt a pair (two of the same card), they have the option to “split” them into two separate hands. This means they will need to place an additional bet, giving them a chance to win more money.
However, there are specific pairs you should never split, such as aces and eights. In general, twos, threes, and sevens get split, while pairs of aces, fives, and sixes should not get split.
Surrender
In some blackjack games, you have the option to surrender. This means giving up half of your bet and ending your hand. Surrender gets offered as an option in certain situations, such as when the dealer has a hand value of 17.
Insurance
If the dealer is displaying an ace, players have the option to take “insurance.” This side bet pays if the dealer has a blackjack. However, it is essential to note that insurance is a sucker’s bet and should get avoided.
The Dealer’s Play
Once everybody has finished making their decisions, it is the dealer’s turn to play. The dealer will always hit on a hand total of 16 or less, and they will always stand on a hand total of 17 or more.
Payouts
If the player has a higher hand total than the dealer, they will get paid out at 1:1 odds. If the player has a blackjack, they usually get paid out at 3:2 odds. If the dealer busts, all remaining players who have not also busted will get paid.
Knowing the House Edge
This is the percentage of every bet that the casino keeps. In blackjack, the house edge varies depending on the game’s rules. For example, a game with the surrender rule has a lower house edge than a game without this rule.
Verdict
You need to know these are some of the most common blackjack rules. Of course, there are other essential rules and nuances that you’ll learn as you continue to play. But, if you start with a solid knowledge of the basics, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this classic game.
