Rules:

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Strategy:

Blackjack  ::  Blackjack Counting Cards  ::   Roulette  ::  Craps

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With great returns, and simple rules, Blackjack is perhaps the most popular of all the casino games. And, it’s easy to play! The idea behind the game is that the player obtains a hand that is greater than the dealer’s, but doesn’t exceed 21.

The cards

Each card has a value –

Numbered cards are worth the number they display. All the picture cards are worth 10 except the Ace. The Ace can either be 1 or 10, depending on which value gives the most favourable outcome for the player.

The game

First, the bet must be placed by the player. The dealer then gives the player two cards. These cards face up. The dealer retains two cards for themselves – one faces up, the other down.

To beat the dealer’s hand, the player can then chose to:

• ‘Stand’ – the player does NOT take another card.

• ‘Double down’ – the player doubles their bet and receives ONE more card.

• ‘Hit’ – the player takes another card. The player can chose to ‘hit’ as many times as wanted. However, if the hand exceeds 21, the player will lose the bet. This is called going ‘bust’.

• ‘Split’ – this is only used when the first two cards dealt are the same value. The player can split the cards and play two hands  - a bet (of the same value as the original) must be placed on the second hand. The two hands, which are of equal value, are then played separately.

The dealer’s hand

Only once the player has made their choices will the dealer reveal the face down card. This is a house advantage – even if the dealer ‘busts’, players that have already gone ‘bust’ will still lose their bet.

If the sum of the dealer’s two cards totals 16 or less, the dealer must ‘hit’ until their hand totals 17 or higher. If the total exceeds 21 however, the dealer will go ‘bust’.

If the dealer’s cards total 17 or higher, the dealer will not be permitted to take more ‘hits’. 

The hands of the player(s) and the dealer are then compared. Those hands that are less than the dealer’s will lose, and those that are higher win. If the dealer has gone ‘bust’, all players win. If the player beats the dealer with a normal hand, the player wins even money. However, if the player wins using an Ace and a picture card (this is called Blackjack), the return is 3 to 2 on the bet.

Insurance

The insurance bet has a high house advantage.

Insurance is offered by the dealer when the dealer’s face up card is an Ace. Insurance is a bet that the dealer’s face down card is a picture card (i.e. that the dealer has Blackjack). The insurance bet is 50% of the player’s original bet. It pays 2 to 1 if the player wins (i.e. if the dealer gets Blackjack).  

That means if the player’s original bet is $100, and insurance is offered, the player will stake $50 on the insurance bet. If the dealer does get Blackjack, the player will lose the $100 bet but will receive 2 to 1 on the insurance bet, and hence receive $150 (a winning of $50). If the dealer does not get Blackjack, the insurance bet of $50 is forfeited but the $100 hand can be played out as per normal (see above).

Read about:  Blackjack Basic Strategy  ::  Blackjack Counting Cards