Internet Blackjack

There are many variations of the popular casino table game known as Blackjack or 21, so be sure to verify which is being played at the table you join since the rules may differ. Information supplied in this article is based on the standard American casino blackjack game which maintains that the dealer stand on soft 17’s.  In order to learn how to play blackjack, it is important to become familiar with the purpose and procedure of the game

How a Player Wins at Blackjack

The object of blackjack is to obtain cards that add up to 21, or to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. This is done by knowing the value of the cards, understanding the process of play, and by exercising basic optimum blackjack strategy.

Blackjack Card Values

Ace: valued as 1 or 11
2-10: valued as indicated (i.e. a 2 card is valued at 2, a 9 card is valued at 9, etc)
Jack, Queen, and King: valued as 10

How Blackjack is Played

After all players have placed at least the minimum bet, the dealer deals out a single card face up from his or her left to each player, before placing a card face down in front of him/her. A second round of cards is issued in the same manner, with the exception being that the dealer’s final card is dealt face up. If the dealer’s card is an ace, the players will be given an opportunity to purchase insurance (always decline) in case the dealer already has 21. If the dealer does not have 21, the game continues with the first player on the dealer’s left.

Because the dealer has a face-down card, players must make a guess as to the value of the hidden card (always assume it is a 10), and determine whether or not they want to surrender, split, double down, hit, or stand their hand. Which of these five choices is chosen and when depends on the blackjack strategy the player is using, and if he or she is counting cards.

After all players have completed their hands, the dealer flips up the hidden hole card and will stand if the combined value is 17 or more. If the value is less than 17, the dealer will draw cards until a value of 17-21 is achieved, or until the dealers busts (goes over 21). The final results determine whether a player loses their bet, pushes, or receives a payout.

If the dealer busts, all remaining players who did not bust are awarded chips equal to their bet. Provided the dealer does not bust, and the value of a player’s cards is closer to 21 than the dealer, the player receives chips equal to their bet.  However, if the value of a player’s cards is equal to the dealer’s, they “push” and are allowed to retain their bet, whereas players whose cards’ value is less than the dealers, lose their bet.

The process highlighted above continues for as long as a player places a bet.  There need be only a single player at a blackjack table for the game to engage. If you are a beginner at blackjack, feel free to discuss the rules and game play with the dealer and fellow players, and/or take a few moments to learn more about blackjack strategy and card counting.

Hopefully after reading this article we have answered your question of “how do u play blackjack”. Find out where to play internet blackjack as well as advanced blackjack strategy.