So what are the Rules of Blackjack?
When it comes to the rules of Blackjack, there are a few things that a player needs to understand in order to play the game. While the basic concept of Blackjack is pretty easy to grasp (go for “21” or bust), there is actually much more to it. From understanding the basics to knowing when the dealer must hit, it is important to learn some simple rules before sitting down for that first time.
Ok, so you sit down, and make a bet. While there are some exotic bets and plays (insurance, doubling down, etc) we’ll just discuss basics here. To start, bets usually pay 1:1 (meaning if you bet $10, you win $10), although some hands (like blackjack) may pay a little more, depending on the venue.
Each player gets two face up cards initially (starting from the left). The dealer also gets two cards (one up, one down). If the dealer has an ace or a value of ten “showing” they check their hole card for 21. If they have 21, the dealer wins (unless a player also had 21 – that player pushes.)
The cards each have values. The numerical cards “2” through “10” are their respective value. The Jack, Queen and King cards are also worth “10”. The Ace card, however, is a little trickier. Based on the hand’s need, it can be worth “1” or “11”.
Assuming the dealer does not have 21, the game begins – each player has the option of getting new cards (referred to as a “Hit”), or staying with their current hand (stand), if they are afraid of going over 21 and busting. More advanced techniques include “doubling down”, which allows players to double their bet and get one extra card, and “splitting pairs”, where a player that is dealt a matching pair of cards has the option to split one hand into two.
Blackjack is played on the premise that players go against the dealer/house to build a hand value that is as close to “21” as possible. “House” decisions made in the game (like whether the dealer hits or not) are pre-determined – and you need to know these. In some games, the house must hit on a soft 17 or less. Other times, the house must stand on any 17 (hard or soft). Knowing what the dealer must do will help determine your strategy.
Once all players play (hit, stand, or bust), the dealer plays his or her hand according to the rules – if the dealer busts, everyone left in the game who hasn’t busted wins.
Pretty simple, right? Truthfully, it is, but with variations of blackjack, and different strategies, the game can get complex, which why it’s so popular (and despite all the talk of hitting and busting, it’s actually a quite civilized game as well!)
If you are new to Blackjack, don’t be afraid to ask questions to get the basics down. With a little effort and skill, you’ll be a pro player hitting your hand until the dealer busts in no time!
