How to Play Blackjack

In order to learn how to play Blackjack you do not need a master's degree, it is very simple and easy to understand. Remember always the basic concept that you need to collect cards that are equal to or as close to the numerical value of 21 as possible. Numbered cards are taken at their value and the face cards are equal to 10. Aces can be either 1 or 11 and you can choose the value depending on the hand that you have. The game starts with the player or players placing bets. Bets can be placed in a number of ways depending on the chip size that you have chosen, what your bankroll is and the limits of the casino you are playing at. Placing your bet is very simple, once you have chosen your coin size, all that you have to do is move a chip to where your cards are to be dealt and it should register as a bet.

Regular Blackjack Play and Insurance

The game of blackjack starts with the player having 2 cards face up and the dealer or casino has one card up and one card face down. The face down card is known as the hole card. If the face up card of the dealer is an Ace then the player has the chance to take out an insurance bet. An insurance bet costs half of the original bet and insures the player if the dealer has Blackjack. Blackjack is an Ace with a card that has a value of 10. Basically if the hole card of the dealer turns out to be a face card or value 10, then he has Blackjack and the player does not lose his money, he in fact is paid at odds of 2:1. If the hole card does not have the value of 10, then the player loses his insurance bet and the game progresses. If the dealer has a regular value card, the game commences with the player or players deciding on whether to add to their hand or stand depending on how close to 21 they are.

Hit or Stand

The fundamental idea of Blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going higher than 21. If the value of a hand is over 21, the hand is bust and the dealer wins. If you are just playing against the dealer and there are no other players at the table, then you have to consider your options very carefully and try and work out what the possibilities of the hole card could be. The rules of the dealer are that if he has 17 or more, he must stand and 16 or less he has to deal more cards. "Hit" is the terminology used for dealing more cards to a players hand and if you don't want any more cards, then click on the "Stand" button. If the dealer is bust, the player wins the game at odds of 2:1

Additional Blackjack Options

Some Blackjack games offer extra options that can enhance the game. Split is an option that can be chosen when the initial cards dealt to the player are exactly the same value. The player has the chance to split the cards and make two new equal bets i.e. an additional bet of the same value. Some versions of Blackjack allow splits to be made up to 3 times in a game whereas others only 2 times. Remember that each split is like placing another bet. Double Down is an option that can be chosen when the player is in a strong position. It is an option to double the initial bet that he made and add only one more card to finish the game. Even Money gives you the chance to cash in on a 1:1 win when you have Blackjack and the dealer has an Ace showing, you can take a chance that the dealer does not have Blackjack or you can just get back your initial bet and not lose anything.

Play Free Blackjack First

Understanding the basics of Blackjack is very simple and straightforward. Once you have the basics it is still a good idea to play a few free blackjack practice games before you place real money bets. Start playing real money games by betting small amounts and as your confidence grows, you can bet more. Blackjack is a game of luck but there is also a certain amount of know how and comprehension of the game which can lead you to some profitable wins. Always remember 21 and you should go far.