How to Play Blackjack

12/26/2013
by Janusz Makowski

Blackjack is one of the most popular games at a casino, mainly because it's easier to win than poker or roulette.  Unlike certain games where the odds are against the player, it's easier to beat the dealer once you know what you're doing.  Below you will find tips, strategies and hints to win at Blackjack even if you've never played before.

First you must know how to play the game. When at a casino, many dealers use more than one deck of cards to stop players from counting cards.  Counting cards, although legal is highly frowned upon at a casino, and if caught can lead to serious consequences.

You will be initially dealt two cards and the object of the game is to get your cards as close to "21" without going over.  Cards 2-10 are worth their face value while kings, queens, and jacks are worth 10 each. Aces can be either 1 or 11 depending on the player.  Therefore if you get dealt a Jack and an ace you have 21.

If your two cards do not equal 21 you have a chance to receive more cards.  But be careful if you go over 21 you're out, losing your original bet.

Once everyone at the table has received two cards you will be asked if you want to "hit."  Hitting is when a player receives one more card and is gestured by tapping the table. The dealer keeps "hitting" you with cards until you say "stop."  When a player wants the dealer to stop hitting them, they simply swipe their hand to signify they do not want any more cards. The dealer will then stop and move on to the next person, dealing himself last. If a person decides to "hit" and goes over 21, it is called a "bust" and they are out of the game.  If you receive two of the same number cards you are allowed to split them, giving you another chance to reach 21.

Once everyone is finished requesting cards, the dealer must draw to 17, or ‘soft’ 17, depending on casino rules.  If your hand is better than the dealer, you win!  If you tie, you ‘push’, which means no one wins, and you don’t lose any money.  If the dealer’s hand is better than yours, you lose.  If you happen to get Blackjack (21) right off the bat, you get paid 3 to 2.  If you win the hand after the dealer has drawn cards, you get paid 2 to 1.

Terminology That Will Help You Play The Game

Double-down: This is when the player bets 100% or less of his or her initial bet and commits to receiving one more card.
Hit: This is when the play wants more cards.  It is signaled by tapping the table.
Split: When a player gets dealt two cards of the same value.  For instance two 10s, two 8s, or two 4s. The cards are separated and instead of having one hand to hit 21, the player has two chances.
Stay: When a player does not want any more cards. The player lets the dealer know by waving his or her hand across the cards.

Hints and Strategies That Will Keep You in The Game

  • Don't hit anything higher than a 17. Chances are you will bust.
  • Always split two 8s. Getting a 16 in blackjack is the worst hand you can get. Splitting your 8s gives you two more chances of getting a 21. Furthermore, if you draw a face card or 10 you have an 18, a much better hand than you did with 16.
  • Do not split two 10s. 20 is a great number to have in blackjack. There is only one other number that can beat 20 and that is 21. Chances are no one will have a 21 and you will win or tie.
  • If you're on a winning streak remember that you can bet more and therefore the payoff will be larger, but don't let it get to your head. One bad round can send you spiraling down, loosing even more money then you intended.
  • If the dealer seems shady, he probably is.  Don't sit with him, go to the next table.  Yes you've come to the casino to make money, but you've also come to have fun and enjoy yourself.  A bad dealer will sour your experience especially if you're losing.

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