Object of the game:
Before we go over the rules, there is one thing that is the key to being a successful Blackjack player. This is something that you need to do before the cards are even dealt. You need to make sure you have the proper mental approach to the game. It’s you vs the dealer. Once you make that your primary focus, you will stop making silly mistakes that cost you money (we’ll get into examples of things to avoid). Too often players make the mistake of just focusing of trying to get as close to 21 as possible instead of playing against what the dealer has. By the end of this tutorial, you will understand exactly what we mean by you against the dealer. In order to fully comprehend any for of strategy, you will need a proper foundation so let’s go over the basic rules of how to play the game.
Blackjack can be played with 1 up to 8 decks of 52 cards
1. Cards 2-9 are face value (the number on the card is the true value).
2. Aces = 1 or 11 (you make that decision based on strategy we will go over later).
3. 10-K (meaning all 10’s and face cards) = 10 points.
To calculate the value of your hand, you take the value of the individual cards you were dealt and add them together.
The highest hand you can get is a “Blackjack” meaning you got at least one Ace and any point 10-point card (10 to King). This hand is an automatic winner meaning even if the dealer somehow got a total of 21 but it wasn’t a true “Blackjack” you win. When you hit a true “Blackjack” rest assured that you can’t be beat.
Betting takes place before the cards are dealt.
After bets have been placed, the dealer will deal each player 2 cards and then 2 more to himself.
One of the dealer’s 2 cards is dealt face down.
In Blackjack terminology, this is called the “hole card” (we will provide a glossary with all of the terminology at the end of this article).
If the card that the dealer has showing is an Ace, he will offer something called “Insurance”. An “insurance” is a side wager that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer’s “hole card” is any 10-point card.
***Please note that “insurance” bets can seem a little confusing if you don’t have much experience playing blackjack but not to worry, its much simpler than you think. Just remember:
1. “Insurance” bets are optional.2. If you do make an “insurance” bet it can’t more than half your original wager. (Remember that you bet before the cards are dealt, therefore if you make an “insurance” bet, it can’t be more than half of your original bet).
3. After offering “insurance”, the dealer will peak at his facedown card to see if he has a “Blackjack”. If he does, he will turn over his cards immediately to reveal it.
4. In the case that the dealer does have a “Blackjack” all hands lose except those that took “insurance”. The only exception is if a player also has a “Blackjack”, that would result in a “push”.
Fore more information on “Insurance” bets, click the following link.
Play begins with the player to the dealers left.
1. Stand:
You don’t want any more cards.
2. Hit:
You want to be dealt another card (or more if you wish). If this card or cards cause you to go over 21, you lose.
3. Double:
You double you bet but you are only allowed 1 more card.
4. Split:
If you have a pair or any two cards with a 10-point value, you have the choice of splitting them meaning you split the 2 cards you were dealt and double your original bet. At this point, the dealer will give each card (your pair that you split up) a second card. Then you can make all the standard choices from here (stand, hit or double). Aces are treated differently. The difference is simple, if you split two Aces, you will only get 1 more card. You can’t get a “Blackjack” on split cards, the best hand you can get is “21”. You can keep re-splitting up to a total of 4 hands.
5. Surrender:
You forfeit half of your wager and do not play out the hand. This option is only available on the initial 2 cards.
The dealer plays after each player at the table has had their turn. If the dealer has 16 or less, he will draw another card.
If the dealer goes over 21, everyone at the table that didn’t “bust” wins.
If the dealer does not “bust” then whoever has the higher total between the dealer and the player wins
Time to talk strategy
Don’t be afraid to bust
Paying too much attention to the how the dealer plays
Basic strategy
There is a chart for basic poker strategy that details what you should do depending on the hand you have and what the dealer has. The thing is, unless you’re a professional Blackjack player, who really has time to memorize what should be done in every situation? That being said, if you’re playing online blackjack for real money, you want to at least have a plan in place to maximize your profits. With that being said here are some basic rules you shouldn’t break according to the math.
2. You should always split Aces and 8’s
3. You should never split 5’s and 10’s
4. Double a “hard” 9 vs a dealer that has 3 to 6
5. Always hit “hard” 11 or less
6. Always “stand “on “soft” 19 or more
Counting Cards
Follow us