Blackjack Rules

Blackjack rules are simple and the game is fairly easy to play. Blackjack is a card game which is played in casinos both online and land based. There are various versions of the game since its inception in the 17th century and the online casinos have only helped to diversify the game further. There are also specific variations from one casino to another regarding house rules but essential features which make the variants be identified as blackjack remain.

The objective of the game is to obtain at least two cards whose values add up to 21. Cards are assigned specific values to facilitate the counting process. An ace is assigned two possible values i.e. 1 and 11 though you can only use on value at a time depending on the circumstances of the game. Cards numbers from 2 to 10 assume the face values of the numbers written on them. Kings, queens and jacks are assigned the maximum value 10. To win a player requires a total of 21 without going past the figure. Going past the figure is called busting and implies an automatic loss. It is not always possible to get 21 but it is necessary to get as close as possible to the figure 21. A dealer requires standing on 17 or above though some casinos permit both soft and hard 17 while others require hard 17. You need to know before going into the game.

Playing Blackjack

Want to know how to win at blakjack? In blackjack the player plays directly and only with dealer irrespective of whether other players are also playing or watching. Two cards are initially dealt to the player face up. The dealer is also entitled to two cards which some casinos may deal initially or the dealer may be dealt one initial card and the second one after the player has finished playing his hands. In case the dealer is dealt two cards initially the rules require that only one card be dealt face up and the other face down until the player completes his game or stands.

If a player gets an ace and a ten value card in the initial draw then the player is said to have a blackjack and wins the game with a payout ratio usually 3 to 2 in many casinos. The dealer may also get the jack with several implications on the player. A blackjack is only possible for the first two cards dealt or else the player and the dealer will be playing towards a simple 21.

There are specific rules which guide the game if the player does not hit a blackjack in the first two cards dealt such as sitting, standing, hitting, splitting, doubling down and even surrendering.