Online Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games and a game that all types of gamblers can enjoy. When it was first introduced in the United States it was not very popular so casinos began to offer players bonus pay outs and extra cash rewards. It is a game that has a number of qualities that involve skill, luck, and moves made by surrounding players at the table. Players try and develop many strategies in this game and many of them have been found to be semi-successful.

Blackjack Rules

The game is very easy to learn and the most basic rule to know is that the player with the highest total wins as long as it is not over 21. Most cards are worth the amount they show so for example a 7 would be worth 7, but jacks, queens, and kings are all worth 10. An ace may be either worth 1 or 11 depending on which would benefit the player.

Players begin by receiving two cards which are both face up. The dealer will also deal himself two cards, but one of these cards is face down. Each player then has their own individual game against the dealer, but observing what cards other players were dealt is a good strategy.

If you would like to receive another card then ask for a “hit.” Be careful not to exceed 21 when you hit or that is called a “bust.” A player automatically loses their wager if they bust regardless of what the dealer does. If you would not like another card then you say “stand.”

If the player and the dealer tie or have the same point value then this would be called a “push.” Neither the player nor the dealer win. Also, in the American version of this game the dealer will check his face down card if they have an ace or 10 value showing. If the dealer does have a blackjack then all players at the table lose their initial bet unless they too have a blackjack.

Getting a blackjack can sometimes be called a “natural.” This hand generally pays out 3:2 on the wager and it is impossible to lose with this hand.

Blackjack Betting

Players have more options than just hitting and standing. A double down occurs when players increase their wager to double the original wager and then receive exactly one more card. To signal this type of a bet, players would simply put additional chips next to their original wager.

Players can also split their cards if they are dealt a pair. In this type of a bet, players would double their bet and then have two separate cards each being the first card to a new hand. If neither of these options suit you then you can always forfeit your cards or surrender. If you decide to surrender then you must give up half your bet with your cards.

Insurance is a tricky concept to understand, but it is offered when the dealers face up card is an Ace. When taking the insurance, the player is betting that the dealer’s hand is a blackjack and players can wager one half of their original bet. The pay out for insurance is a 2:1 ratio. If the dealer does not have a blackjack then the insurance bet is taken and then the player can proceed with his original hand. Insurance is said to have a house edge between 2-15% so most gamblers say this is a bad bet.