Blackjack – The Rules, How to play, Games Variations, Strategy
Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, is a popular casino game that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. The game is played with one or more decks of cards, and the objective is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total of 21. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules and strategies of blackjack.
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NRL, AFL, Cricket, Premier League, NBA, NFL & GolfThe Rules of Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular casino card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Each card is assigned a point value, with numbered cards worth their face value, face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) worth 10 points each, and aces worth either 1 or 11 points depending on what is more advantageous for the hand.
At the beginning of each round, players place their bets and the dealer deals two cards to each player, as well as two cards to themselves. One of the dealer’s cards is face-up and the other is face-down.
Players can choose to “hit” and receive another card to add to their hand, or “stand” and keep their current hand. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over (known as “busting”). If a player’s hand is worth more than 21, they automatically lose the game.
After all players have made their moves, the dealer reveals their face-down card. The dealer must follow a strict set of rules that dictate when they must hit and when they must stand. Generally, the dealer will hit until their hand is worth 17 or more, and will stand once they reach this value.
If the dealer’s hand is worth more than 21, they bust and all remaining players win. If the dealer’s hand is worth less than 21, players with a higher hand value than the dealer win. If the dealer has a higher hand value than any of the players, the dealer wins.
In addition to the basic gameplay, there are also several additional rules and options available in blackjack, such as splitting pairs of cards, doubling down on certain hands, and taking insurance against the dealer having blackjack. However, the basic concept remains the same – get as close to 21 as possible without going over, and hope that your hand is higher than the dealer’s.
How to play Blackjack for Beginners
Here are the steps to follow to play blackjack as a beginner:
- Understand the Objective: The objective of the game is to have a hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over 21.
- Learn the Value of Cards: In blackjack, cards 2 through 10 have their face value, while face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10 points, and aces are worth 1 or 11 points, whichever value makes a better hand.
- Place Your Bet: Before the game starts, place your bet on the table in the betting area.
- Receive Your Cards: The dealer will deal two cards face up to each player and one card face up and one card face down to themselves.
- Decide to Hit or Stand: After receiving your cards, you have the option to either “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep your current hand). You can continue to hit until you reach a satisfactory hand value or bust (exceeding 21 points).
- Understand the Dealer’s Actions: The dealer must hit until their hand value reaches 17 or more. If the dealer busts, all players who have not busted win the hand.
- Count the Hand Value: Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer will reveal their face-down card and count the value of their hand.
- Determine the Winner: The player with the hand closest to 21 without going over wins. If the player’s hand and the dealer’s hand are the same, it is a tie, and the player’s bet is returned.
- Collect Your Winnings: If you win, the dealer will pay you your winnings.
- Play Again: The game continues with the next round, and you can place another bet and continue playing.
Blackjack Games Variations
There are many variations of blackjack that have been developed over the years, some of which are more popular than others. Here are some of the most common variations:
- Classic Blackjack: This is the standard version of the game, where the goal is to get a hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over.
- European Blackjack: This variation is similar to Classic Blackjack, but the dealer only receives one card at the beginning of the hand. The dealer also does not receive a second card until after the players have completed their hands.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack: This version of the game is played with four decks of cards and has more liberal rules than Classic Blackjack. For example, players are allowed to double down on any two cards and can also split their hands up to three times.
- Spanish 21: This game is played with a Spanish deck of cards, which means there are no tens in the deck. The game also has some unique rules, such as the ability to double down on any number of cards.
- Double Exposure Blackjack: In this game, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, which gives players an advantage. However, there are also some other rule changes that make the game more difficult, such as the fact that ties go to the dealer.
- Super Fun 21: This version of the game has more liberal rules than Classic Blackjack, including the ability to split hands up to four times and to double down on any number of cards.
- Blackjack Switch: This game allows players to switch the second card dealt to each hand, which can create some interesting strategic opportunities.
- Blackjack Surrender: This variation allows players to surrender their hand and get back half of their bet if they believe their hand is unlikely to win. However, this option is only available before the dealer checks for blackjack.
- Pontoon: As mentioned earlier, this British variation of blackjack is played with a different set of rules. In Pontoon, the dealer’s cards are both dealt face down, and the player can only stand on a hand value of 15 or higher. Additionally, a “pontoon” (which is similar to a blackjack) pays out 2 to 1.
- Progressive Blackjack: This game offers players the chance to win a progressive jackpot if they are dealt a specific hand (usually aces or aces and eights). However, the odds of winning the jackpot are typically quite low.
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack: In this variation, players have the option to place a side bet on whether their first two cards will be a pair. The payout for a pair can vary depending on the specific pair, with a perfect pair (two identical cards) usually paying out the most.
- Blackjack Switch: This game allows players to switch the second card dealt to each of their two hands, which can create some unique strategic opportunities. For example, if a player is dealt a 5 and a 10 on their first hand, and a 10 and a 6 on their second hand, they can switch the 10s and create a stronger hand (a 5-10 and a 10-6).
- Mobile Blackjack: This refers to any variation of blackjack that can be played on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Mobile blackjack games are optimized for smaller screens and touch controls.
- Mobile European Blackjack: This is simply a mobile version of the European Blackjack variation. It can be played on a mobile device using an app or through a mobile-optimized website.
- Single Deck Blackjack: This version of the game is played with just one deck of cards, which can make it easier to keep track of the cards and develop a card-counting strategy. However, many casinos have rules that make it less advantageous for players, such as paying out 6 to 5 for a blackjack instead of 3 to 2.
- Double Exposure Blackjack: In this game, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, which gives players an advantage. However, there are also some other rule changes that make the game more difficult, such as the fact that ties go to the dealer. Additionally, most casinos use multiple decks of cards in Double Exposure Blackjack, which can make card counting more difficult.
Blackjack Strategy
Hit or Stand
When you hit, you ask the dealer for another card. When you stand, you keep your current hand and wait for the dealer to finish the round. The decision to hit or stand depends on the value of your hand and the dealer’s upcard.
If your hand is 12 or lower, it’s generally recommended to hit, as the chances of busting (going over 21) are relatively low. If your hand is 17 or higher, it’s generally recommended to stand, as the chances of busting are high. For hands between 13 and 16, the decision to hit or stand depends on the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher, it’s recommended to hit, as the chances of the dealer having a higher hand are high. If the dealer’s upcard is 6 or lower, it’s recommended to stand, as the chances of the dealer busting are high.
Double Down
Doubling down involves doubling your original bet and receiving one additional card. Doubling down is a good strategy when you have a strong hand and the dealer’s upcard is weak. For example, if you have a total of 10 or 11 and the dealer’s upcard is 9 or lower, it’s recommended to double down.
Understanding the value of the cards
Numbered cards are worth their face value, while face cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are worth 10. Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on the player’s choice. If you have an ace in your hand, it’s recommended to use it as an 11, unless doing so would cause you to bust.
Split Pairs
Splitting pairs is another important aspect of blackjack strategy. If you are dealt two cards of the same rank (such as two 8s), you have the option to split them into two separate hands. When you split pairs, you must place an additional bet equal to your original bet. Splitting pairs is generally recommended when you have a pair of Aces or 8s, as these hands are weak when played as a single hand.
Splitting 10s is a bad move because a total of 20 is already a strong hand, and splitting it into two weaker hands decreases the chances of winning.
On the other hand, splitting 8s and Aces is often recommended because two hands with 8 or Ace can be very strong, and can increase the chances of winning.
As for splitting 9s, some players believe that it’s a good move in most cases because two hands with a value of 9 are better than one hand with a value of 18. However, if the dealer’s upcard is a 7, 10, or Ace, the dealer has a higher chance of getting a strong hand, and it may be better to stand.
Finally, some players recommend splitting 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s when the dealer has a weak upcard because it increases the chances of getting a stronger hand. However, other players recommend only splitting certain pairs, such as 6s and 7s, and not others, such as 4s or 5s, which are considered weaker pairs.
Ultimately, the decision to split pairs should be based on the specific situation at the table, and it’s important to consider all factors before making a move. It’s also important to remember that there’s no foolproof blackjack strategy, and every player should find the approach that works best for them.
Surrender
Surrendering is a strategy that can be used when you have a weak hand and the dealer’s upcard is strong. Surrendering involves forfeiting half of your bet and ending the round. Surrendering is generally recommended when you have a hard 16 and the dealer’s upcard is 9, 10, or Ace.
Card Counting
Card counting is a strategy that involves keeping track of the high and low cards remaining in the dealer’s deck. By doing this successfully, you can increase your bet when the odds are in your favor and potentially win a significant amount of money. However, it’s important to note that card counting is not a method for consistently winning at blackjack or cheating at the game. It’s merely an additional skill to enhance your gameplay and provide insight into the composition of the deck.
