Blackjack

Blackjack is a fast-paced game that pits individual players against the dealer. The goal of the game is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. To reach 21, players will need to keep track of the value of the cards in front of them. Cards with a value of 2 – 10 on them are face value. Jack, Kings and Queens all have a value of 10. The Ace has a value of 1 or 11.

Before any cards are dealt, the player places their wager. If the player wins, they are paid an even value of the bet. If they lose, the casino collects the wager. If both the player and the casino have the same value, the player keeps their wager. A player who has an Ace and a card with a value of 10 typically receives a payout of 3:2.

The Rules of Blackjack

When the wagers have been placed, the dealer will lay out cards. The first card is placed face down. A second card is placed face up. Each player will then play before the dealer. There are two options for this. Players can choose to ask for an additional card. This is called a “hit”. The other choice is to refuse any additional cards. This is a “stand”. If the player chooses to hit and the total goes over 21, the player “busts”. They lose their wager, regardless of what happens with the dealer’s hand. Once all players have either bust or chosen to stand, the dealer will play. The dealer is required to play until he has a value of 17 or more in his hand. If the dealer busts, all players who chose to stand will automatically win. If the dealer doesn’t bust, all players with a higher final value than the dealer win.

Advanced Moves

To add to the excitement of the game, there are four advanced moves players can choose from.

Double Down: When the player has reviewed their cards, they can choose to double the amount that they have bet. In this case, they are only allowed to draw one additional card. The total must beat the dealer.

Insurance: If the dealer has an Ace for their top card, players will be offered insurance. Players can accept for half their original wager. If the dealer does have a blackjack, the player is paid 2:1 if not, the player loses their insurance. In the latter case, players then play out their hand as they normally would.

Split: When two cards are identical in value, a player may split. This requires an identical wager to be placed for both hands. The player is then given an additional card and plays out both hands independent of each other.

Surrender: Instead of a hit or a stand, players can choose to surrender. This causes them to lose half of their wager.