Blackjack Guide

how to play blackjack

Blackjack Basic Strategy
Blackjack Variations

blackjack rules

The objective of Blackjack is to get as close to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Picture cards are worth 10 and Aces are worth either 1 or 11. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer you win. Conversely, if the dealer is closer to 21 than your hand, you lose. If both hands are equal then it's a 'push' and you get your original stake returned. If you have a hand that's above 21, you lose (a 'bust')- regardless of what the dealer has.

You begin by placing your stake on the table. You'll receive 2 cards face up and the dealer will receive one card face up and one card face down. You make your next decision depending on your current hand - and often depending on the dealer's face up card.

Hit
Requesting another card. You can 'hit' as often as you like, but if your hand goes over 21, you've bust and lose the hand.

Stand
You receive no more cards and your hand will be judged against the dealer.

Split
If you have two cards of the same number (eg 2x8's) you can split your cards into 2 hands and play each hand separately. In order to do this, you'll need to duplicate your original stake onto the second hand and then each hand will be played out normally. The rules of the game will identify how many times you can split a hand, but its usually once.

Double
If you decide to double, you have to double your stake money and you will receive one extra card. Doubling is popular for certain 2-card totals (see Basic Strategy)

Insurance
Whenever the dealer's up-card is an ace, you are allowed to take insurance. If you think the dealer's card will be a 10 (ie Blackjack), then you can place a side-bet of half your original stake as insurance. If the dealer does have a 10, you'll receive 2-to-1 on your insurance bet, but the original stake is lost - unless you also have Blackjack. This would be a push.

Click here to continue to Blackjack Basic Strategy
Click here to continue to Blackjack Variations