Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular game due to its simplicity. The aim of the game is to have a hand whose value is closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over 21. 21 is the best score you can get, thus Blackjack is also known as ‘21’. If you score higher than 21 then you are ‘bust’. Your hand is played against the dealer only and there is no involvement with the other players. Blackjack can be played using from 1 up to 8 decks of cards.
In Blackjack every card has a number value. Players who score a 21 on their hand will have ‘Blackjack’ and win the game.
Cards dealt to the players are dealt face up, whilst the dealer takes their first card face down and their second card face up. After the player receives their first 2 cards their choice is to stand or receive another card. The decision to hit or stand will be made on whether the dealer has a strong/weak up-card.
Players will normally stick at any total ranging from 16 to 21 and hit if their total is 11 or below. Players can hit as many times as they like providing they don’t go over 21. If the dealer has a strong up-card, such as a face card or an Ace, then the more cards the Player takes the greater the risk to go bust.
If the dealer is dealt Blackjack, all losing bets are instantly collected from the players. The one instance a player will not lose their bet on a dealer Blackjack is if they also have a total of 21.
Card Values:
The value of cards numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are the same as their actual number. E.g. if a player draws 3, 5, and 7, then the value of the three cards are 15.
Jacks, Queens and Kings have a value of 10. E.g. if a player’s first two cards are a Queen and a King, their total will be 20; this is the second highest score after 21. The cards suit is not considered in Blackjack, 4 of clubs has the same value as the 4 of hearts.
Ace’s can count as either 1 or 11; you can decide which number it will represent depending on which will benefit your hand the most. If you are dealt an Ace and a Face card together it is Blackjack (10 & 11) and will be paid out 3:2.
Hit -When a player opts to receive an additional card after their first 2 are dealt out. Players can hit as many times as they want as long as they don’t go over 21.
Stand -When a player decides not to take any more cards. This can happen if the player has a decent hand already or if the dealer has a weak up-card.
Double or Double Down -This happens when a player decides to double his bet after the first two cards have been dealt. They would choose to do this if there is the possibility of making a winning hand on their third card, thus they would win more money. When a player doubles, the wager must be placed next to their original bet before requesting a third card.
Split -If a player has two identically numbered cards dealt to them on the initial deal, both cards are split and a new bet is made, basically making two hands. To split, a player must bet the same as their original bet before the next cards are dealt out to the split hand.
Surrender – If a player feels their hand can’t win against the dealer’s, thisoption allows them to give up their cards and half their original wager. This is only allowed in some land-based casinos.
Bust or Break -If a player’s cards total exceeds 21 then they are bust. Their
original bets are immediately taken by the dealer when this happens.
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