Basic Blackjack Rules

Although the rules differ slightly across the different variations of blackjack, there are a few common rules that you should know that are common across all types.

The Sequence

Each player is dealt two cards face up. As a player, you will be playing against the dealer and not against the other players at the table like you would in a poker game. The dealer is also dealt two cards, but only one is face up. Each person then has a turn to either hit or stand. Once a player decides to stand (or has gone bust) the next player has a turn. Once all the players have had their turn, it is the dealer's turn to play. In most casinos, the dealer will have to keep hitting until he/she hits at least 17. If, for example, the dealer is on 16 then he/she will have to hit another card. You need to get closer to 21 to the dealer in order to win. If your hands are tied then you will "push" your hands where you will just keep your original bet.

"Blackjack!"

If your first two cards add up to 21 (Ace and K/Q/J/10) then this is called a blackjack or a natural. This means that you will be paid out 3:2 for a win as opposed to the usual 1:1. However, if the dealer also hits a blackjack then your hands are tied and you will push.

Hit or Stand

If you call for another card then this is called "hitting". You can do this until you are as close to 21 as you wish, without going bust of course. When you do not want any more cards then you will "stand".

Splitting

If you are dealt two cards of the same type then you can split these cards and play two hands. This all depends on what cards you are dealt because splitting a pair of 2s is not necessarily a strong hand. If you decide to split, and you find that you are dealt yet another card of the same value then some online casinos allow you to split again. This is called a re-split and you will then be playing three hands. Just keep in mind that your bets are also tripled in this instance so you have more to lose.

Doubling

You have the option to double your bet once after your first two cards are dealt. You will then get one more card. If your first two cards add up to 10 or 11 then this is a good time to "double down" as there is a strong chance of you getting a hand close to 21. You should also look at the dealer's face-up card. If the dealer is sitting with a 9 or 10 then doubling becomes risky because the dealer has the same chances of hitting close to 21.

Insurance

This is a more complex rule of blackjack and it allows you as the player to place a side bet of half your original bet if the dealer's up-card is an Ace. Winning this bet relies on the dealer having a card value of 10 with his/her other card and this pays out 2:1. In essence, you are betting against yourself.

Surrender

Not all casinos offer this option, but it allows you to surrender half your bet (once you have two cards) before hitting another card..