Basic Blackjack Rules

The object of Blackjack is very simple: to achieve a total that is greater than that of the dealer, and which does not exceed 21. Even if other players are present at the table, the dealer is your only opponent in the game.

• Basic Blackjack Rules How To Play
• Basic Strategy Blackjack Rules
• Basic Blackjack Rules Cards
• Blackjack Simple Rules

Blackjack card values: All cards count their face value in blackjack. Picture cards count as 10 and the ace can count as either 1 or 11. Card suits have no meaning in blackjack. Basic Rules of Blackjack T he object of Blackjack is very simple: to achieve a total that is greater than that of the dealer, and which does not exceed 21. Even if other players are present at the table, the dealer is your only opponent in the game. There are relatively few decisions to make when playing Blackjack. The rules of card counting in blackjack are: Subtract -1 when A, J, Q or K are dealt. Add +1 whenever cards 2 through 6 appear. Keep the same count for cards 7, 8 and 9.

There are relatively few decisions to make when playing Blackjack. You must consider your cards and your dealer's card and remember, if you go over 21, you 'bust', and if you 'bust' you lose.

Play progresses as follows:

1. Blackjack Basics. Premise of the Game. Blackjack is pretty simple. The basic premise of the game.
2. Normally, some of the most important rules, such as 'Blackjack pays 3 to 2' and 'Dealer must draw on 16 and stand on all 17's' are printed on the table. To play blackjack you need chips to bet with, and you typically buy your chips directly from the dealer.

1. A card is dealt, face up, to each player in turn and then one to the dealer. The dealer's card is face down and called the 'hole' card.
2. A second card is then dealt, again face up, to each player.
3. Starting from the player to the left of the dealer, each player decides whether to draw further cards.
4. After all players have completed their hands, the Dealer proceeds to draw cards to complete the Dealer's hand.

You win if:

• Your total is higher than the Dealer's total
• The Dealer goes over 21 or 'busts' (provided you have not previously busted yourself).

If your total is the same as the Dealer's total it is a 'stand-off' and you neither win nor lose.

If you go over 21, or the Dealer's total is greater, you lose.

These rules remain largely unchanged (with some minor variations) whether your are playing online blackjack or sitting at a table in a casino.

Cards in Blackjack are assigned the following point valies:

• Picture Cards (Jack, Queen and King) each count as 10 points.
• An Ace counts as 1 point or 11 points, whichever is better for owner of the hand.
• All other cards have their numerical face value.

Jokers are not used when playing Blackjack. (More on Card Values)

Blackjack is a combination of an Ace and any 10 or picture card with your first two cards. It pays one and a half times your bet unless the dealer also draws Blackjack, in which case you have a 'stand-off'. (More on Blackjack)

The dealer plays according to a strict set of rules. Dealers must take another card if their hand totals 16 or less. Dealers must stand (not take any more cards) if their hand totals 17 or more.

If your first two cards are of equal value you may split these to form up to three separate hands. Aces may be split to form only two hands. You will receive an additional card for each hand, however a wager equal to your original bet must be placed each time you split.

Casino rules vary concerning splitting hands, so check with your dealer first. (More on Splitting Pairs)

You may place an additional bet (not exceeding your original bet) if your first two cards total 9,10 or 11 (without aces). You will be dealt one additional card when you double.

Basic Blackjack Rules How To Play

Again, rules may vary at some casinos, so be sure to ask your dealer. (More on Doubling Down)

If the first card dealt to the dealer is an ace, the dealer will announce 'Insurance'. You may then place an insurance bet of no more than half your original bet, to insure your hand should the dealer make Blackjack.

Basic Strategy Blackjack Rules

An insurance bet is paid at odds of 2 to 1 and will only win if the dealer makes Blackjack. If the dealer does not make Blackjack the insurance bet is lost. (More on Insurance)

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.

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:

• “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.

Basic Blackjack Rules Cards

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.

Blackjack Simple Rules

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.