Rules For Playing Blackjack
Classic Blackjack is traditionally played with just one single deck, but some variations of the game could have multiple decks.
The most traditional version of blackjack is generally known as Classic Blackjack, or just Blackjack. Acting as the most known and most popular version of the 21 game, Classic Blackjack is generally offered at all casinos, whether they be land-based or online.
In standard blackjack casino rules, all players face off against the dealer. Two cards are dealt to each player and two to the dealer. Each player can then choose to receive extra cards or accept the hand as it is. In order to win a hand, players must finish with a higher total than the dealer, without exceeding 21. Blackjack Basics. Premise of the Game. Blackjack is pretty simple. The basic premise of the game.
It also acts as one of the easier card games to play when compared with others like poker and baccarat.
The Rules of Classic Blackjack
Playing classic blackjack is fairly simple, and as long as you’re informed on a few basic rules to follow, it’s very easy to pick up. The basic game is played with standard decks of cards, so any adept card gamers should find this to be common knowledge. The remaining standard rules of playing classic blackjack are as follows;
- The object of the game is to create a hand with a value that is equal to or closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand
- Number cards count as face value (2-10), Aces count as either 1 or 11, and Kings, Queens and Jacks count as 10
- The dealer receives two cards, as does the player. All player cards are dealt face up, while only a single one of the dealer’s cards is.
- Players can then hit or stand, with the former providing an extra card and the latter holding the cards at their current value.
Knowing these standard rules is really all that’s needed to begin playing Classic Blackjack. If you’re able to count, then there’s really nothing stopping you from being able to try and beat the dealer’s hand.
Other Important Rules
However, as with all games, there are certain other rules that players should be aware of to give themselves a better opportunity at beating the house. These extra pieces of information are sometimes the turning point between a win and a loss.
Number of Decks
Classic Blackjack is generally played with a single deck – however, certain variations, like Netent’s online Blackjack game for example, will allow players to wager on more. Netent’s Blackjack game is played with three boxes and six standard decks of 52 cards, minus the Jokers.
Dealer Play
Casinos have rules which dictate when the dealer is able to stand or hit. The common rule for Classic Blackjack is to have the dealer hit on a soft 16 and stand on a soft 17. Soft hands are those which contain Ace cards, which as noted before, can be classed as 1 or 10.
Natural Blackjack
This occurs when a 10-value card, plus an ace is initially dealt in any hand. The payout for this is 3:2 and a Natural Blackjack always beats any other hand with a value of 21.
Splitting
If the first two cards you are dealt hold the same face value, you can split them into separate hands. Only one split per hand is allowed and proceeding with this will double your initial wager placed. After splitting Aces, you receive only a single additional card for each split hand. All others can be hit multiple times.
Doubling
After the first two cards, you can double your wager. After doing so, you are dealt one extra card and then your hand automatically stands.
Insurance
If the dealer’s first card is an Ace, a player can buy insurance. This costs half the value of the initial bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer gets a Blackjack. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose the insurance bet.
Surrender
This option allows players to bow out of an unfavorable hand at the cost of half their bet.
Classic Blackjack Hints & Tips
Blackjack Rules Printable
Always remember to stand your hand when you have a hard hand with a value of 17-21, or a soft hand equaling 19-21. Being dealt a pair of Ace cards should result in a split option.
If you have a pair of fives and the dealer is showing any card between a 2 to a 9, use the double option. Meanwhile, if he has a 10 or Ace, be sure to Hit your hand.
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is played around the globe in live casinos, as well as online. If you are interested in getting in to blackjack put don’t know the rules you will find that it’s easy to learn how to play blackjack. Following are the basic rules of this popular card game.
Blackjack is played one-on-one against the dealer. Although there may be several players sitting at one table, each player is only in competition with the dealer. The objective of the game is to acquire a hand of cards that is worth a higher value than that of the dealer, without breaking a total of 21. Breaking 21 is known as “busting” and results in an immediate loss.
The value of a hand in blackjack is determined by adding together the values of the cards in the hand. Numbered cards are worth their face value (i.e. the 4 of Spades is worth 4 points); Aces are worth either 1 or 11 depending on the other cards in the hand; and 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10 points. A Jack (or other 10-valued card) and an Ace are worth a total of 21 together and this hand is known as “blackjack”, which is where the game gets its name.
Before a game of blackjack begins, players must place bets. If you are playing a free game of blackjack online then you can play with fun money. In a live casino or real money game of blackjack online you will bet real money. Always choose a table with limits that meet your bankroll and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Rules For Playing Blackjack
Once bets are placed the dealer gives each player two cards, face up on the table. The dealer takes two cards as well, but one is placed face down. Based on a player’s hand and the dealer’s face up card, the player has several options. The player may:
Rules For Playing Blackjack At A Casino
- “Stand” with his initial 2-card hand
- “Hit”, asking the dealer for more cards to increase the value of his hand
- “Double Down”, doubling his bet and taking only one more card
- “Split” his hand into two separate hands, provided his initial hand was a pair
It is important to note that rules regarding doubling down and splitting vary from casino to casino, so it’s important to double-check the rules before you begin playing.
Once the players are satisfied with their hands the dealer reveals his face down card. If his hand is worth 16 or less he must hit. Also, some casino blackjack rules require the dealer to hit on “soft 17” as well, which is a card made up of a 6 and an Ace valued at 11 points. Once the dealer has hit, if necessary, hands are compared and winners are determined.
Again, it is important to note that more specific blackjack rules vary from casino to casino and blackjack variation to variation. Familiarize yourself with the particular rules of a specific game before you begin to play for real money.