How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, mainly because it is easy to play and the action is fast and furious.

 

If you have never played Blackjack before the main aim of the game is to score as close to 21, without going over or bust as it is known, just like you did when you played Pontoon or 21 with your Grandparents as a child. All the picture cards are worth ten points, with an ace worth one or 11 and all the other cards are taken at face value.

 

To start the game every player has to place a bet, or wager. This amount is normally decided upon by the table you are playing on as it will have a table minimum. You must bet at least the minimum amount, or you can bet up to the table maximum (if the table has one) if you prefer. Each player will then be dealt two cards; these will be face up so everyone can see. The dealer on the other hand will receive just one for now that will also be faced up.

 

The players will now play their hands from left to right of the dealer. Once it is your turn you have the choice to place some more bets, depending on what cards you have been dealt. You can split your cards if they are the same value, and then continue to play the two hands as you would normally, however if you split aces you will only receive one card on each new hand. One thing to remember when splitting aces is that a Black Jack is only worth 21 so a dealer also getting a Black Jack will beat you.  You can double your bet if your first two cards total 9, 10 or 11, but you will only be dealt one more card. This is called a ‘double down’. If you are dealt a Black Jack and the dealer has no way of matching you he will pay you out straight away with odds of 3 for 2. If however he has an ace or a 10 card he will wait until his second card has been turned. If the dealer is showing an ace you can take out insurance against them having Blackjack. This is normally half of your initial stake and you will win if the dealer turns over a 10 or picture card.

 

Once all of the bets have been placed the dealer will then give each player extra cards if they require them or a ‘Hit’. If you go over 21 you bust, but if you are happy with your cards you can ‘stand’. Once all of the players have been dealt extra cards the dealer will then take his second card. Depending on the house rules the dealer must play all hands that are 16 or less and stick on a hand that is showing 17 or more. Once the dealer has finished winning bets are paid and stakes are matched as winnings. If the dealer busts all players still with a valid hand will win, but if the dealer beats you they win and takes your stake. If you tie with the dealer this is known as a push and your initial stake will be returned to you. When the dealer is playing his hand he must take an ace card as 11 once he can for a hand over 17.

 

A great way to play Blackjack without visiting a real casino and risking your hard earned cash is to book a fun casino with Finesse Casinos!