Blackjack game is one of the most popular attractions at any online casino and when you learn basic strategy you can have an edge over the casino of just 0.5%.
Here at Blackjack game, your objective is to beat the dealer without going over. In a basic game, the dealer deals the cards and you will be dealt two cards each. One of the dealer’s cards will be face up so you will get an idea of his hand. On your turn you have a number of choices and these are:
Hit: This is when you take a card. You can do this as many times as you need.
Stand: Keep your cards and end your turn.
Double Down Face: Double your bet, take one more card and end your turn.
Split: If you have two identical cards, you can split them into 2 separate hands. You will need to add another bet if you choose to do so.
After you have taken your turn, the dealer will show her hand by turning over the other card so you can see what she has. The dealer must “hit” until they have a total of 17, or more. These are the basic rules for this card game, but of course there are many variations to 21.
It is important to know the score of your cards too. Face cards that are Jack, Queen, and King all count as ten. An ace counts as 11, unless 11 causes an overrun, in which case it counts as 1.
If you go over 21 then you lose even if the dealer goes over too. You win if your total is higher than the dealer or if the dealer goes over.
You lose if your hand is lower than the dealer’s. This is called a push if there is a tie and neither of you wins. If you are dealt an ace and a ten it is called a Blackjack or natural and it will pay 3-2.
Insurance is something else. If the dealer’s face up card is an ace, you will be asked if you want insurance. It’s a side bet if the dealer has Blackjack. This type of bet has a casino advantage and we recommend not taking it.
Once you understand the rules, you can learn basic strategy which will tell you when to hit or stand depending on the cards you have been dealt. It’s a good idea to study basic strategy before playing with real money.