Rules of the Game

Blackjack Rules

Blackjack is an incredibly popular game today. It seems to have undergone somewhat of a revival since the advent of the online casino in the 1990s. The game can be found at every active online casino available with very few exceptions, but if you want to join the millions around the world that play the game every day then you must learn blackjack rules. Choosing to learn blackjack rules is not as much of a chore as it sounds because they are not very complicated. In fact, you can learn how to play blackjack in less than 10 minutes. The blackjack rules are outlined in full below so read on to learn how to play the game effectively. 

The Basic Rules of Blackjack

Learning to play blackjack seems simple in theory but it is necessary to practice if you want to get a good grasp on the game. The basic premise of the game is that the player that has a hand of cards totalling 21, or the closest number to it, wins the hand. However, if your hand exceeds 21 then you are effectively out of the game, or what is known as “bust”.

The Value of Your Cards

The value of cards under blackjack rules is simple to grasp because every card keeps its numbered value. For example, the 2 of Diamonds is worth 2, the 5 of Hearts is worth 5 and so on. Face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) on the other hand are worth 10. These are fixed values but there is one card that has two possible values – the Ace. An Ace can equal 1 or 11, depending on the total of your hand. An Ace and a Face card is the best possible hand you can get because it equals 21. It really is that simple.

The Dealing of the Cards

Blackjack rules dictates that every player at the table be dealt two cards at the very start of the game, with the exception of the dealer who only gets one card. All of the cards initially dealt will be placed face up so all players can see them. When everyone has two cards, the dealer then takes his second card, or a “hole card”, but that one is placed face down and is not revealed until your turn has ended, meaning you have either stayed (this is when you are satisfied with your cards, and ask for no more) or busted (if your cards exceed 21 in value). If you on your first two hands get a card with a value of 10 (10, Jack, Queen, King) plus an Ace, you have a Blackjack  (21) and automatically win the hand and 1,5 back on your bet.

Hitting, sticking and winning

When all cards are dealt, you will have to make a choice whether to "stick" with the cards you have, or take another to try and get a hand closer to 21. If you choose to stick then the hand for you is over, but if you wish to have another one then you ask the dealer to “hit” you. Thereafter every card is dealt one by one until you choose to stick with your hand. There is no limit to how many cards you have as long as you do not exceed 21. When you stick, the dealer’s hole card is revealed and he or she repeats the same process, although it is necessary for the dealer to achieve more than 17 and beat your total to win. If you beat the dealer’s cards or the dealer goes bust, then you win.