How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as 21, is among the most popular games at online casinos. Although simple, the game is a delightful blend of suspense, quick decisions, strategies, skill, and chance. Before plunging into a game of blackjack, players ought to know exactly what they are up against.

Blackjack can be played with anywhere between 1 and 8 decks of cards. The multi-deck version of Blackjack, however, is the commonly played variant at online casinos. Boxes, commonly called Shoes, are used to deal cards in case of multi-deck Blackjack. Certain casinos offer machines that can shuffle cards continuously.

The ultimate aim of every Blackjack player is to beat the dealer. Players can defeat the dealer only if the total value of their hand exceeds that of the dealer’s hand. However, if the total value of the players’ cards exceeds 21, the player loses or goes bust. If the total value of the dealers’ cards exceeds 21, the players win.

In a game of Blackjack, the suits of the cards have no specific value. All cards from 2 to 10 are taken at their face value, irrespective of which suit they belong to. The value of an ace is either 1 or 11, whichever suits the player best. The value of a King, Queen, and Jack is 10. A hand that includes an ace is called a soft hand; and a hand that does not have an ace is called a hard hand.

A game of Blackjack begins with a wager placed at the center of the Blackjack table, which is usually semi-circular. Each Blackjack table can accommodate 6 players; and each player has a separate square or circle at the table. Players are required to purchase their chips from the dealer or fetch them from another Blackjack table. The game commences only after all the players have placed their bets. Blackjack rules do not permit players to touch their cards. Communication takes place via hand signals alone.

Assuming that the multi-deck variant of Blackjack is being played, each player will be dealt 2 face-up cards by the dealer, who retains one face-up card and one hole card whose value is unknown. Players are now faced with the task of making a decision on how to play their hands. Players must now either stay or receive more cards to beat the dealer and avoid going bust. When the round is completed, the dealer reveals the value of the hole card.

Players who find that the value of their first 2 cards equals 21 win instantly. Such a condition is called “having Blackjack.” These winners will receive one and a half times their bet. If the total value of the player’s cards exceeds that of the dealer, but is less than 21, they will get an amount equal to their bet amount. If the total value of the player’s cards is lower than that of the dealer, they will lose their bet. If the dealer goes bust, all the players at the table win.