Blackjack is the world’s most popular casino table game and is unique in that it offers a distinct advantage to the player in comparison to other casino games. The object of blackjack is to get as close to a total of 21 as possible without going over and while having a higher hand than the dealer. If you go over 21 you lose, if the dealer goes over 21 they lose, if no one goes over you win as long as your hand total is higher than that of the dealer’s.
While casino blackjack is a very easy game to learn, mastering the correct strategy for the game is a task that takes dedication and practice. After you learn the fundamentals of playing blackjack, you’ll want to memorize basic strategy to give yourself the best advantage every time you sit down at the tables or in front of your computer. Below we have provided you a summary of Blackjack including the basic functions of the game as well as some tips for playing.
Blackjack is comprised of a delicate balance between both the players at the table and the dealer they are trying to beat. In blackjack the dealer’s cards mean everything since using proper blackjack strategy will literally dictate how you will act as the player. Because of this it once again becomes very important to consider strategy, but first let’s take a look at how a typical casino blackjack game would run from start to finish with a table of players.
Finding the Right Online Casino
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The Shuffle & Deal
The game of blackjack can be played with as little as 1 and as many as 6 players at a time and is played at a table with the players on one end and the dealer on the other. The game uses a standard deck of 52 playing cards however almost all blackjack games incorporate between 6-8 decks these days both to hinder card counters as well as ensure randomness while playing the game. The value of the cards in blackjack are taken at face value for cards 1 through 10, face cards J,Q,K have a value of 10 as well. Aces have a value of either 1 or 11 meaning that if you had 6 and Ace you would have 7 or 17 and could hit again if you wish. When you approach a blackjack table all you need to do to begin playing is find an open seat and buy some chips from the dealer. You will then be allowed to place your bet on the next hand with an amount that falls between the tables minimum and maximum betting limits.
After all of the players have placed their wagers, the dealer will bring their hand across the table in a semi-circle which signals that bets are closed for that round. He or she will then proceed to deal the cards to the player from what is known as a shoe (plastic holding or mechanical shuffling device where cards are stored until they are dealt). Every player in the game will be dealt two cards face up and the dealer will give themselves two cards one face down (known as the hole card) and one face up (known as the up card). At this point in the game it is the players turn to act and they must make one of a few decisions regarding how they are going to play their hand which they must signal to the blackjack dealer.
Player Decisions
Hit – When a player requests a hit it simply means that they would like to add another card to their hand and it is signalled by taping the table in front of your hand. Remember that the object of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible so if you were dealt a 5 and a 4 for a total of 9, you would definitely want to hit since there is no way you can go over 21 and can only improve your hand. On the other hand if you were dealt a 10 and a 6 for a total of 16, you may choose to hit depending on what the dealers up card is according to strategy.
Stand – A stand or standing in blackjack is the opposite of a hit and this command means the player would not like anymore cards added to their hand and is happy with their point total. To signal a hit the player must wave their hand over their bet to signal to the dealer that they do not wish the receive anymore cards. Once you have decided to stand on your hand the dealer will put the action on the next player to the left of you until all players have made their decisions and it is the dealers turn to act according to the blackjack dealer rules. Continue reading “How To Play Blackjack” →
