Blackjack Rules and Information

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around. It is a card game that is played with one dealer and anywhere from 1 up to around 5 or 6 players. A deck or number of decks of 52 cards each are used in playing this game. The cards 2 to 9 are 10 are ranked at face value, all face cards count as 10 and the Ace can count either as a 1 or an 11. The goal of the game is to reach 21 without going over with a total higher than the dealer. All bets are made before the cards are dealt but in Blackjack you have some options of altering your bet throughout the game.

Before the game begins, each player must make their bets. Minimum and maximum bets will varu depending on the table or game you are sitting at. The game begins by the dealer dealing to 2 cards face up to every player and two cards one up and one face down to himself. Every player now has the choice to either “hit”, receive another card to add to his/her total or to “stand”, they are pleased with their current total and believe that they will beat the dealer without receiving any more cards. Each player can hit as many times as they wish without going over 21. If the players total goes over 21 then they ”bust” and automatically lose their bet.

Once all players have either chosen to stand or gone over 21 and busted it is the dealers turn to reveal his/her cards and hit, stand or bust. In most cases (different games have different rules) the dealer must hit on 16 or less and must stand on 17. When the dealer reveals his cards and if the total is 17 – 18 the dealer must stand on that total (can’t hit and receive any more cards), if the dealers hand total 16 or less they must hit and keep receiving more cards until their total has reached at least 17 or has busted.

If the dealer busts then any players who are still in the game (have not themselves busted) win. These players will be paid out at 1:1. Once the dealer has reached a total of at least 17 without going over 21 then any player still in the game with a higher total then the dealer wins (at 1:1) and if the players totals are less than the dealers then their bet is taken and they lose. If, when the original two cards are dealt, a player receives a 10 (or face card) and an Ace (for a total of 21) they have been dealt “Blackjack” and are automatic winners. These players will automatically be paid out at 1.5:1.

There are a number of other bets that can be made during the game, these are, Doubling down, Split bets and Buying Insurance. A player can “double down” (double your bet) only once the initial two cards are dealt. If you chose to double down you will automatically receive one and only one more card to add to your total. Another option you have is to split your hand. You can only split your hand if the two cards dealt to you are the same (a pair). Now you will have two separate hands that are played out in the normal way. In order to play two separate hands you must put down a bet equal to your initial bet on the new hand. (If you split a pair of aces, you are not eligible for a blackjack, only a “normal 21 can be made). And finally you can buy insurance if the dealer’s up card is showing an Ace. Your insurance bet must be at least half of your original bet and you are insuring yourself in case the dealer has a 10 or face card face down, making a blackjack for him. If the dealer dos in fact make a Blackjack and you insured yourself you will get your insurance bet back and will be paid out at 2:1. If the down card is not a value of ten, you automatically lose your insurance bet and the game carries out as normal.

You will be sure to find a Blackjack table at any online casino wit the right limits for you. It is common to find games with low min. bets of $1 or less and for you high rollers, there are many high limit tables out there where min. bets are as high $500 a round.

Quality Blackjack Guides to Check Out:

• 101 Blackjack - A great guide for both newbies and well seasoned blackjack players. Offers strategy, odds and other great blackjack related information.