How to Play Blackjack?
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in the world because it requires more strategy than it requires luck. However, the very factor that helps it stand apart can also make it intimidating for new players. This is why we’re here to tell you how to play Blackjack and help you learn and play this amazing game. Scroll down to learn about the elements, hands, and rules of Blackjack.
Elements of Blackjack
In Blackjack, you play against the dealer who represents the casino. Your main objective during the round is to beat the dealer, which can happen in any one of the three ways:
- You can draw a hand value higher than the dealer’s.
- You can draw a hand value of 21 on your first two cards when the dealer does not.
- The dealer draws a hand value higher than 21 when you don’t.
However, in cases other than these, for example, if the dealer’s hand value is higher than yours or if go over 21, you’ll be the one to lose.
A hand’s value is calculated by simply adding the value of all the cards it holds. In Blackjack, each card in a deck is assigned a value and those values are then added to determine a hand’s value.
| Card(s) | Value |
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Face Value |
| J, Q, K | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11, whichever is more beneficial to the player |
The Blackjack table, whether in an online casino or a land-based one, is semi-circular in shape and has spots for players to sit. The dealer sits across the players and deals two cards each. Players then play one of the possible hands to either increase their winnings or decrease their losses.
Hands in Blackjack
There are many ways you can play a hand to achieve your objective in Blackjack. While you can play some hands at all times, others are only playable under certain circumstances.
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Hit
If the first two cards add up to a small number, you can ask the dealer to give you more. There’s no limit on the number of cards you can request the dealer as long as you don’t go bust. At any point during your turn, you can choose to “stand” when you get a high enough hand value.
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Stand
When you’re satisfied with the hand value you have or are afraid to risk going over 21 by hitting, you can choose to “stand”.
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Split
When you get two cards having the same value, that is a pair, then, you can split your hand into two. Each of those two cards will become the first cards of two new hands. You’ll also have to place another wager for the new hand.
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Double Down
If you wish to get only one more card to make a strong hand, you can double your wager. The dealer will then deal only one more card.
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Surrender
If you get a terrible winning hand, you can back out of the round and get half of your original bet back.
Blackjack rules
Having familiarized yourself with the elements and hands in Blackjack, you’re now ready to know the rules and steps to play Blackjack. First, go to the online casino’s game library and find a suitable Blackjack game. You can use the search bar and the filtering and sorting tools to make the process easier. Next, select the lobby by considering various factors like betting limits and bankroll size.
The software will indicate the beginning of a round by showing a betting timer. Use the virtual layout to place your bet and play your hand. Decide your hand using the elements and card values you’ve learned above. Finally, the dealer plays their hand and the round ends with your win, defeat, or draw. Since Blackjack is also called as 21, with this guide, you already know how to play 21.
