How to play Blackjack
The following article explains the basic principles of Blackjack and introduces you to one of the most popular card games in both land-based and online casinos. The origins of Blackjack date back to 1601. Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quixote) described a card game in one of his stories in which the goal was to reach 21 points.
In the early days of the game, casinos in the United States offered higher payouts to players who had a Jack and the Ace of Spades in their hand. This combination of a black Ace and a Jack also explains the origin of the game’s name. The fundamental rule that an Ace combined with a card worth 10 forms the winning hand still applies today.
The Rules of Blackjack
Blackjack’s rules are simple and easy for anyone to grasp. Although it is a game of chance, many players around the world find it particularly fair. They appreciate the fact that they can influence the course of the game by making smart decisions.
Card Values in Blackjack
Card values in Blackjack are straightforward:
- Cards 2–10 are counted at face value.
- Jacks, Queens and Kings each count as 10.
- Aces can be worth either 1 or 11. They are always counted in your favour throughout the game.
The Principle of Blackjack
In Blackjack, everyone plays against the house. The goal is to beat the dealer. You do this by reaching closer to 21 points than the dealer with two or more cards – or by hitting exactly 21. If your hand exceeds 21 points, you lose. In Blackjack terms, you’ve gone “bust”.
At the Blackjack table, each position represents a separate hand in play.
Gameplay:
The dealer deals two face-up cards to each player in a clockwise direction. The dealer also deals themselves two cards, one of which is face-up. Then you decide whether you want to stand or take an additional card. In the first case, you risk that the dealer gets closer to 21; in the second, you risk going bust.
As long as your hand is worth less than 21, you can request more cards at any time.
Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals his second card. Depending on the Blackjack variant, they may be required to draw more cards or stand at certain hand values. The players’ hands are then compared to the dealer’s.
If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win and are paid out 1:1. So if you bet €10, you gain €10 in winnings.
If you go bust or the dealer has a better hand, you lose your stake. In the case of a tie (a “push”), your original bet is returned to you.
If you hit 21 points with your first two cards, you have a Blackjack and win instantly! This typically results in a higher payout, usually 3:2. For a €10 bet, this means an extra win of €15.
Simple Blackjack Strategy
- Less than 8: Always take a card.
- 9, 10 or 11: Double down or take another card.
- 12: Stand if the dealer shows 4–6, otherwise hit.
- 13–16: Stand if the dealer shows 2–6.
- 17 or higher: Always stand.
- A-8 and A-9: Do not take any more cards.
- A-A: Always split.
- Two tens: Never split.
- Two sevens: Split if the dealer shows 2–7, otherwise hit.
- A-4: Double down if the dealer shows 4–6, otherwise hit.
Dealer Limitations
Rules typically require the dealer to draw an additional card if their hand totals 16 or less. At the same time, they must stand on 17 or more. This makes the dealer’s behaviour fairly predictable and relatively easy to counter.
Insurance
If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, there is a risk they have Blackjack. To minimise this risk, many tables allow you to take insurance against a dealer Blackjack. You do this by placing an additional bet in the insurance box. If the dealer does have Blackjack, your insurance bet is paid out at 2:1.
Splitting Hands
If you’re dealt a pair, you can split your hand. This means placing an additional bet equal to your original one. You then receive one new card for each hand and continue playing both hands separately.
Doubling Down
In this option, you double your bet and receive exactly one more card in return (Double Down). This is particularly advantageous if you hold a total of 11. If you draw a card worth 10, you’ve hit the perfect hand. However, there is also the risk of drawing a less favourable card (such as a 2).
Now that you know the basic rules of Blackjack, you’re ready to play. We wish you lots of fun and good luck – why not give it a try today at Casino777.nl?