Blackjack, also commonly known as 21, is an international card game that is well-loved by many. Blackjack rules are relatively simple to learn, and it is considered an easy game to play once you have mastered the rules and a basic blackjack strategy.
One thing to remember before sitting down at any blackjack table is that there are variants in blackjack and the rules are not always the same. Some of the variables to consider are, how many decks are in the game, what is allowed and not allowed, such as surrendering and splitting cards.
What you need to learn the blackjack rules
Blackjack does not require any complicated equipment; all you need is at least one deck of cards, a table, and chips. In the past, only one deck of cards was used, but to make it harder for card counters, casinos now use multiple decks of cards.
In blackjack, it is each player against the casino dealer. Bets are placed, and each player is dealt two cards and the dealer last, the dealer cards are placed one face up and one face down.
The objective here is for your cards to equal or get as closer than the dealer to 21 without going over.
Stand, hit, split, double down or surrender?
Now that you have your cards, you have to decide what move to make. To stand means, you choose to stay with the cards you have. If you choose to hit, that means you would like an additional card. You can choose to hit again until you are as close to 21 as you feel possible without going over.
A split is something you would do if you have a pair and you wish to place a second (equal) bet, so you are now simultaneously playing two hands.
To double down is when you feel you have a good hand, such as a 9, 10 or 11, and you chose to place a second equal bet. The dealer then gives you one more card and you have no other option but to stand with that card.
Most casinos will allow players to surrender, which means you take back half of your bet and forfeit the hand. Doubling down is something you would do if you are almost certain you will lose the hand before you have made any other move.
Card values and payouts
The card values are as follows, face cards such as king, queen, and jack equal ten. One -10 equal the number on the card and an ace can be either an 11 or a 1.
If the player and the dealer have an equal hand, the game is called a push, and the wager is returned to the player.
Payouts may vary based on different casino’s blackjack rules. So always find out what you can gain before sitting down to play.
Finally
These are just some of the most basic blackjack rules you need to know to play the game. The game of blackjack can be quite extensive and takes a lot of practice and strategizing to become good at and win. Keep practicing as much as you can, and you will get there.
