The Rules of BlackJack
The goal of blackjack is to aquire cards so that the total value equals 21 or as close to 21 without going over 21. You may play alone against the dealer or with others who will also play against the dealer. You are all individuals and the money you bet does not affect the money that another person bets. You will place your initial bet in front of you prior to a round of cards being dealt. The dealer will then give ever paying player 2 cards going around the table in a clockwise direction. The dealer will also give himself 2 cards and one of these will be placed face up. Kings, Queens, Jacks, and 10's are all valued at ten points while the remaining cards are at their numberd value. An Ace may be valued at either 1 or 11 at the players discretion.
I've got BlackJack
Blackjack occurs when a player holds an Ace and another face card worth 10 points. This is generally a winning hand but if te dealer also has blackjack ther will be what is referred to as a push where no money is won or lost. Winning with BlackJack pays out at the rate of 3:2.
Hittin and Standin
When you want another card you are requesting a hit. This can often be conveyed to the dealer by tapping the table or a distinct nod. Be very clear in your communication as once a card is dealt if cannot be placed back into the deck. You're generally going to want to take as many cards as safely possible while trying to get to 21 or close to 21. Once you feel you can no longer accept any more cards you are choosing to stand which may be conveyed to the dealer by shaking your head 'no' or waving your hand in a blocking fashion over your cards. Should your cards total more than 21, you've gone bust and lost your bet to the dealer.
Going Down with the Double Down
If your first two cards are a pair you have the option to splitting them by offering a duplicate bet. You'll then be dealt a matching card for each part of the pair and you'll play these hands in a separate manner. If your pair are Aces you will only have the ability to accept one card each. Any Aces received after you've split the original pair cannot be counted towards an official BlackJack.
I Give Up
Depending upon the locale and rules of the variant you are playing, you may have the option to surrender your bet in a game of blackjack. This can be done after viewing your first two cards and allows you to pull back half of your original bet for not playing your hand.
Once you understand the basic rules of blackjack you can progress to learning Blackjack basic strategy, which when coupled with our winning tips will give you the best possible advantage when playing at the tables.
Game Specific & Advanced Rules
Once you master the above basic rules you should be able to successfully play most blackjack game variations. Many variants have slightly different rules. So check out the list below for game specific and advanced rules to look out for before you play.