Blackjack
Objective
The objective of blackjack is to obtain a point total higher than the dealers hand without going over 21. Even if there are other players at the table, all players are playing against the dealer.
Card values
Understanding the card value system in blackjack is extremely easy. Every numbered card 10 and under is valued equal to the number on the card. All face cards (jacks, queens and kings) have a value of 10. As a result, 10 is the most common occuring value card in the deck. Finally, the Ace in Blackjack is considered a special card, because it can be used as either a 1 or an 11 (you can choose depending on whichever helps you out the most). Understanding the card values is the most important thing when first starting to play blackjack.
How to win
There's two ways to win at blackjack. The first way to win is to get a total higher than the dealer without going over 21. The second way is when the dealer busts (gets too many cards and achieves a total above 21). Whenever the dealer busts all players remaining that have not busted win.
Blackjack Tables
Blackjack tables at casinos can seem intimidating, especially for first time players. The most important thing to remember is that casinos are ALWAYS welcoming to new players. The trick is to go in with an understanding of the game, even if you aren't aware of the proper mannerisms or techniques of how to conduct yourself. Don't be afraid to give it a try and approach the tables. Tables feature enough seating for 6, if there is space, simply take a seat and wait for the next hand to begin. Signs on the tables indicate minimum and maximum values. For example, if the limit is $5-$500 the minimum bet per hand is $5 and the maximum is $500.
The deal
Once you've decided on a table and sat down. Place your money on the table. The dealer will call out the value and give you your chips. After you place your initial bet by puting it in the betting circle, each player is dealt two cards face up on the table, and the dealer receives one card face up, and one face down.
Blackjack
Blackjack is both the name of the game, as well as the name of the best hand you can achieve in the game (2 cards that total 21). If the player achieves Blackjack it usually pays out 3 to 2 (although there are some casinos that pay out 6 to 5). If the dealer gets a blackjack, the player automatically loses, unless they also have a blackjack (in which case they both tie and the player keeps their initial bet).
Player options
After the blackjacks have been taken care of, the player closest to the left of the dealer goes first. Each player has the following options on their turn:
- Hit: take another card. This is signaled by either tapping the table, or in some casinos, motioning pulling a card towards yourself.
- Stand: take no more cards, you're happy with your hand and its finalized
- Double down: double your bet, after which you will take one more card, and then stand still
- Split: Double your wager and have each initial card be the initial card for two new individual hands.
- Surrender - giving up on the hand and forfeiting half of your wager
Players can take as many cards as they want as long as they don't bust (go over 21). When a player is satisfied with their total, they tell the dealer they want to stand, and game play is passed on to the next player.
Dealer options
The dealer is the last person to act at the table. Once all of the players have made their moves, the dealer flips over their second card to reveal their total. The house has specific rules towards how the dealer must player their hand. Most casinos have rules where the dealer must hit until they have a total of 17 or higher. If the dealer starts with a total of 17, they will stand.
Winning/losing
Once the dealer has finished playing his hand, winners can be determined. The dealer then pays out all winning bets and collect from all losers at the end of the hand. The player to the right of the dealer gets paid off or collected from first, and the dealer then continues around the table.
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