INTRODUCTION TO BLACKJACK
Blackjack is commonly referred to as Twenty-One, or Vingt-et-Un (Twenty-One in French).
HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK
In this game players are only competing with the dealer. This will give the dealer win against some players in the game and not others. For example, if there are two players in the game and one has 17 and the other 20, and the dealer draws a 19, the player with 17 will lose while the player with 20 will win. If a players total cards add to any amount over 21 the players busts (losses) When the game starts players are dealt 2 cards, the option is to the player and the player can choose to do several things, stand (do nothing), hit (receive another card), split (hit twice on two matching card denominations separately) or surrender (give up half their bet and fold the cards).
Card Values are as Follows:
Ace- 1 or 11 (the players choice)
2-9 = face value
10,Jack, Queen, King = 10
If the first two cards that they players receive equal 21 than the player has blackjack and usually an automatic winner and is usually paid 3:2. This would mean that the player was dealt an Ace and another face card or a ten.
In North American blackjack, if the dealer’s face-up card is an ace or 10, the dealer will check their hole card to see if he has a blackjack prior to the other player’s playing. If the dealer has a blackjack, all players lose their bets (expect if they also have blackjack, which is a tie or if they have taken insurance, another bet that is offered before the dealer checks.)
BLACKJACK – PLAYER DECISIONS
In order to see what the dealers hole card is the players must make their decisions after the first two cards are dealt. Players can choose between several options. We have already discussed some but here they are again just to clarify.
Hit
receiving another card from the dealer. A player can hit as many times as they like as long as their total is under the number 21
Stand
Requesting no more cards and letting the dealer show their hand to determine the winner.
Double Down
Doubling their bet on the first two cards which is usually down if the player has an amount that totally to 8/9/10/11 and they are hoping to hit another card of high value and then having the dealer bust or beating the dealers hand.
Split
Players have the option to split two cards of the same face value. (e.g. 8-8 or 4-4). Another bet of the same value then needs to be placed on the second hand. In general, you should always split aces and 8s regardless of the dealer’s hand, and you should never split 10s (as a total of 20 will most likely beat the dealer) or 5s.
There are also versions of blackjack that allow players to re-split their cards if they are dealt another identical card after splitting once already. You can also double on your split hand. This would mean that at most you could split your hand four times and double four times resulting in a hand that could be worth up to 8 times the original wagered amount.
NB: Keep in mind that if you split aces you and then receive a 10 this will count as a 21 but not a blackjack.
Insurance
Insurance is a safety net bet that some players make to protect their hand if they believe that the dealer will receive a blackjack. In most cases insurance is offered if a dealer is showing an ace, it is also sometimes offered if the dealer is showing a ten. You can wager an additional amount worth half your bet for insurance and you will be paid 2:1 if the dealer shows a blackjack. The dealer will then checvk the mirror to see if they do in fact have it or not, if they do they will pay those that were insured and those that weren’t will lose all their bets. If the dealer does not have blackjack the game continues on.
Typically it is not a good idea to take a insurance because most often the dealer will not have a blackjack combination.
Surrender
There are several surrender options that are available. Early and Late, in early, the dealer will deal the cards and offer a surrender before checking for their blackjack, this is uncommon to online casinos. In late surrender, the dealer will deal and check for his blackjack and then offer a surrender option. Most people follow these rules to surrender. Only surrender if you have a 15 or 16 and the dealer has 10 or Ace, surrendering is not typically recommended.
NB: There are so many different versions of blackjack throughout the world that it is worth checking which you are about to play before knowing which way you will choose to play the game.
FURTHER BLACKJACK TERMS AND TIPS
Hard hand
That cannot have 2 possible outcomes, so 10 and 6 is a hard 16 while an Ace and 5 would be considered a soft 16 because the ace could be counted as a one or an 11. Hard hands have one possible outcome.
Soft hand
This is any hand with an ace making it possible for two outcomes. If a player has an ace and a 4 then they have either a 5 or a 15, if a 5 comes to follow then they have a 20 or a 10 so there are more possibilities with a soft hand. It is commonly recommended to stay on soft 17 and above.
Stiff hand
When the first two cards dealt total 12-16 and there is no Ace.
Pat hand
When the first two cards make 17 or more, which is most commonly a hand you won’t hit again.
It is smart to assume that the dealers down card is usually a 10 since the most common card in the deck is a 10. Remember this in situations like you have a 15 and the dealer is showing a 6, then chances are that the dealer will have a 16 and then bust so you are not recommended to hit on your 15.
Basic Blackjack Strategy:
- Stand on a hard 16, if the dealer is showing is a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. If the dealer is showing a 7 up to ace, you should hit
- If the dealer is showing a card that is a 4, 5 or 6, you should stand on a hard 12. However, if the dealer is showing a 2, 3, or 7 and over, you should hit with a hard 12
- If the dealer is showing a 10 then you should hit until you get a 17 at a minimum, however if the you reach a soft 17 you can choose to hit once again.
BLACKJACK
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