How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular and the ultimate classic casino table games. The most interesting aspect about this game is that its rules are not simple, but often this game is difficult for beginner players. Let’s find out how to play blackjack.

Irrespective of the complexity of the blackjack, there is a number of options provided by the casino, making the game so mesmerizing, engaging and interesting for players.

Basic Rules of Playing Blackjack

Before start playing Blackjack in a casino, you need to understand the objective of the game. In this game often advanced label players develop a misconception that you need to come as close to 21 as possible, but not cross this number. This, however, is not true. The first priority of Blackjack is to beat the dealer without surpassing 21 and second, you either need to defeat the dealer or have their bust.

This game is played with one to eight decks consistent with 52 cards.

In this game, the ace is counted as 1 or 11 points. The cards from 2 to 9 are considered as per their face values whereas the tens face cards are considered as 10 points.

Your hand will carry two cards. The bigger hand, having an ace and the cards having 10 points is called “blackjack”. If the total sum of your cards exceeds 21, you go bust and lose the game. If your dealer’s hand is close to 21 than yours, you lose.

Playing Blackjack

Usually, casinos have seven betting boxes or circles/boxes to place their bets. For side-bet, there are additional betting boxes arranged. Before starting the game, you could be asked the type of denomination you would like your chips in. It is always suggested to ask for the same denomination as the size of bet you have decided to place.

You need to place one or more chips in the betting box and wait for your cards to be dealt. Once the players have placed their bets, each player will be provided with two cards by the dealer, who will also have two cards for himself.

One card of the dealer is placed face up. The rest of the cards will be placed down which is called the “hole card”. If an ace is there in the dealer’s hand, you are usually offered a side bet i.e., “insurance”, which gives you 1 to 2 if the hole card of the dealer is a 10-points card. Insurance bets are not mandatory.

Better Not take Insurance

If the face-up card of the dealer is an ace, you will be given a chance to place a bet that will be equal to the half of your original one that the dealer has made a Blackjack. If the dealer really does, you will get 2-1 on your money. In case the dealer cannot make a Blackjack, you will lose and will start playing with your original bet. It is always beneficial not to take insurance if you are not counting cards if you are a beginner or a professional player.

If the dealer has an ace face up or a ten, they will look at their other card to see if they have a Blackjack. If they can, they will turn their hand immediately. In this situation, when the dealer has a Blackjack, all bets, other than insurance, will lose. The only way out is if you too have a Blackjack.

In some places, the dealer takes one card facing up but does not take a second card until all the players have completed playing and paying out their chances. This shows that players play their hands without any idea if the dealer will make Blackjack.

Up Game-Down Game

Most casinos across the world prefer to play Blackjack in two forms – “up game” and “down game”. In “up-game”, the cards are put next to your bet face up and are not allowed to see or touch by the players. But in some old casinos, “down-game” is preferred where the cards are placed face down and the player can privately look at them.

Right Guess Work

It is also a game of guesswork. When the dealer’s card is placed face up, speculation can be made. Every player tries to guess what the dealer’s hand may play out. So, the best rule of making the right assumption is if the dealer holds a 7 or larger card, there are feeble chances of them busting. That is the reason you always need to improve your hand to a total of at least 17 or more.

Whatever is the playing strategy you need to inform the dealer. If you need another card select the “Hit me” option and opt for the “Stand” option if you do not need any other card.

Tips for Beginners

• Do not touch the cards in case the casino follows the “up-game” policy.
• Don’t display your aggression in case your cards are running badly to the dealer. Do not be harsh and rude to the other players also.
• Do not touch your chips after your bet is placed.
• Have patience and stay cool no matter what the result of the game is.
• Don’t increase your best if you are losing, this will result in losing more.