How to Play Blackjack

The game of Blackjack may be both fun and amazing experience for those who really want to master the technique of the game and get a clear understanding of How to play casino blackjack to become a skilled player.

Object of Blackjack

The main object in Blackjack is to get a hand with the highest total without exceeding 21. In the game of Blackjack you are only trying to beat the dealer’s

hand, the other player’s hands are of no importance to you.

Card Values

All numbered cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) are valued as indicated. All the face cards Jack, Queen and King are considered to have a value of 10 points. The Ace card is the trickiest one, as it can have different values according to the situation, e.g. it can count as 1 or 11, regarding what value will help your hand not to exceed 21.

How to Win

There are two possible situations in How to play casino blackjack rules that describe how you may win in a game of Blackjack. Situation #1 the player has a hand total higher than the dealer’s without going over 21. Situation #2 the dealer busts (exceeds 21), thus every player with the hand under 21 wins.

The Blackjack Table

All Blackjack tables can seat up to six players. There’s a sign above each Blackjack table that indicates the information about the highest and lowest bets possible (betting limits).

Dealing the cards

After all the players have exchanged their money for the chips and put their bets on the betting circle, the dealer starts dealing the cards. Each player is dealt 2 cards that are usually face up. Dealer receives two cards, one face up and another face down  the hole card.

Do you have a Blackjack?

A Blackjack is a two card hand that totals 21 and consists of a 10-valued card and an Ace. This card combination is an automatic winner, unless the dealer has a Blackjack too, in such case your bet is returned. Usually, the Blackjack pays 3-to-2. If the dealer’s up card is an Ace, he checks the hole card for a Blackjack.

How to play casino blackjack. Player’s Options

After the cards have been dealt and the players with Blackjack hands received their payouts, the game continues. Each player has several options on how to play his hand to get closer to 21.

Ahe player can:

1. HIT – which means he can ask for an extra card.
2. STAND – player asks for no more cards and the hand he has will be competing with the dealer’s hand.
3. DOUBLE DOWN – player doubles his bet, takes only one extra card and stands.
4. SPLIT – in case the first two cards are a pair, the player can double the bet and split two cards to form two separate hands.
5. SURRENDER – player forfeits half of his bet and gives up his hand.
6. INSURANCE – in case the dealer’s up card is an Ace the player can insure his loss for a possible dealer Blackjack, by placing an extra bet. Usually the insurance is paid 2-to-1.

According to the How to play casino blackjack rules, each player can hit as many times as he wishes, as long as his hand is under 21. After the player decides to stop, he signals STAND, and the next player starts playing his hand.