Blackjack Game Guide - How to Play

The new name stuck, and now players can find Blackjack both online and in land casinos. There are many modern variations of blackjack that add extra twists or prizes, but the basics are always the same.

The Basics of Playing Blackjack

The goal of Blackjack is simple: you must get as close to 21 as you can without going over. You’ll be competing against the dealer, and whoever gets the closest to 21 wins the hand. Although blackjack is a game of luck, you’ll also need shrewd judgement to decide when to keep going and when to stick.

Players receive two cards at the start; these are dealt face-up. The dealer will also receive two cards, but only one of them will be face-up. This will give you an idea of the hand that the dealer may be holding and what actions he may take.

The player can make whatever decisions they like with their hand, but that’s not the case with the dealer. Once you’ve finished your hand, the dealer must then reveal their other card and play their hand. The person who gets the closest to 21 without busting will win.

Playing Your Hand in Blackjack

The player gets to play their hand first. It doesn’t matter that the dealer can see your hand because they have to follow specific rules when it’s their turn to play their hand. They can’t be influenced by how good or bad your hand is.

You can decide to:

• Stand – stick with the cards you have
• Hit – take another card
• Double-down – take another card by buying it; this increases the stake and is a good move if you think you have a winning hand
• Split – double your stake and split your cards into two hands. Each hand will then be played independently.

The value of each card matches their face value, with royals worth 10 and aces worth 1 or 11.

You can keep hitting for as long as you want, providing your card total doesn’t go over 21. If it does, you “bust” and you automatically lose the round. When it’s the dealer’s turn if it’s less than 17 they must hit, but if it’s 17 or more, they must stand.

In some of the different versions of online blackjack, it’s possible to play side bets. These can only be placed if you’re betting on the main game.

Some of the most common side bets include:

• Three of a Kind – different suits but the same cards
• Suited Trips – three identical cards (this is possible as blackjack uses multiple decks)
• Straight Flush – three cards which are numbered consecutively and the same suit
• Straight – three cards numbered consecutively
• Flush – three cards from the same suit
• Pairs – two of the same numbered cards

Side bets are based on the dealer’s card, which is placed face-up, plus your first two cards.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a simple game that any player can pick up and learn in a very short period of time. Whether you’re a complete newbie or an old hand at casino games, playing online blackjack is something that everyone can enjoy.