Blackjack Rules or Card Game of 21

Blackjack

Blackjack sets player against dealer in simple yet brilliant card game. Your goal as the player is to obtain a higher score than the dealer without going past 21. It is for this reason that the game is referred to by that number. At one time you could win a bonus prize if you were dealt an ace of spades and a black jack card; hence the term "blackjack." Today any ace plus any ten-valued card is a blackjack.

Blackjack Rules

A player first puts their bet on their betting circle. Then player and dealer each receive two cards. The dealer has one card face-down but the other card is face-up. The player's cards are both showing.

The player's cards are settled first. If you look are your cards and think they are close enough to 21, you can stand with those cards. If your score is low and you want to get closer to 21, you can hit. A hit means to draw one card to add to your blackjack hand. You can hit as often as you like until you get 21 or more. If you get 22 and up, you lose even without the dealer doing anything.

If you make 21 or choose to stand at 20 or less, the dealer's hand will now be addressed. No matter what cards they hold, if the dealer has a total score of 16 or less, they must draw. They will keep hitting until they obtain 17 or better. A bust, of course, results in a win for the player.

Note that player and dealer can never bust in the same game. If player busts, dealer wins immediately. If dealer busts, it can only be after player has stood on their hand without busting.

If player wins, they are paid even money. If they win by a blackjack or "natural," they are paid at special odds, usually 3 to 2. If it is a push (tie), bets are returned.

Blackjack Special Decisions

There are certain moves you can make to add to your advantage or reduce it. Blackjack rules vary from one casino to another on these. Generally, the fewer limits on the player's decisions, the better.

Insurance - If you think the dealer may have a blackjack - that is, if their up card is an ace - you can bet that they do have a blackjack for half your original bet.

If the dealer has a blackjack and you don't, your initial stake is lost but you get back half of it by winning the insurance.

If the dealer does not have a blackjack, your insurance loses. If you beat the dealer, your first bet is paid like normal. If you lose, you lose the first bet.

Double Down - You can increase your wager and get dealt one last card if you think your two cards are that good. Blackjack rules are different for this feature.

SPLIT - If you are dealt a pair in your hand, you can split them. For example, you can split two 4's. But you have to put a wager for the new second hand. It is like playing with two separate hands.

SURRENDER - A player sometimes has the option to give up their hand at the price of half their initial bet. This is if you feel you are going to lose. The surrender option is advantageous for the player.