Play Blackjack Online

The game of blackjack can also be known as 21. This game is one of the most widely played game within a casino. The traditional game contains 52 cards, but many casino’s feature several decks. The goal of the game is to finish at, or as close to 21, and then beat the amount the dealer has. Blackjack is popular due to not only how exciting it is, but also the challenge of counting cards, and taking a risk on whether to stop or take more cards. If a player scores 21 on just two cards – they are said to have accomplished a “blackjack”. More money is won when a player hits a blackjack.

Basic Rules
When you are ready to play blackjack, here are a few simple rules to the game. First when you are ready to play, make sure there is an open spot at the table. There may be an open seat, but a player could be playing standing up, or a person could be playing two spots. It’s best to ask if a seat is open, if you do not know. When you ready to actually play, and if you do not have chips, place your cash on the table, and the dealer will take it when ready. You will then receive chips, across the table. Do not reach across the table for the chips or money. Make sure you know the value of all chips. Also, make sure you know the table limit. You could be sitting at a $10 table, where that is the minimum bet. There is typically a sign along the table showing the minimum and maximum bet. When you are ready to make your bet, place your chips in the small circle on the table. Once you have made the bet and the cards have been dealt, you cannot add or take away any chips. Know the value of each card. Aces are worth 1 or 11, you get the option. All face cards (kings, queens and jacks) are worth 10 points. All the rest are face value. A blackjack is ONLY with two cards, you cannot get a blackjack with more than two cards. Know if the dealer “stands” or “hits” on 17’s. Some casinos will make the dealer stand on ALL 17’s, and some will make them take a card on a soft 17, meaning a 17 with an ace. Know the lingo of the game: “Hit” – taking another card. “Stand” – stopping where you are at. “Double down” – doubling your bet to take one card. “Split” – you can split your cards, and play two different wagers when you have the same card off the deal.

How to Play
When you play blackjack, the dealers will takes on anywhere from one to seven players. Each player is dealt with a card up, the first time around; including the dealer, and then an additional card. The dealers’ second card is down, so the players cannot see what it is. Before the deal, each player places a “wager” on how much he/she wants to win or lose at that hand. If an ace or face card is showing with the dealer, he/she will take a quick peek to see if the total hand equals 21 – if she, it is flipped over and the dealer wins. After each player gets two cards, they get the option of “hitting” or “standing”. If a player selects to “hit”, they will be given an additional card. That player continues electing to take a card or “standing”, which means stopping where they are. The next player then gets the same option. If a player “busts”, which means they go over 21, they automatically lose, regardless of what the dealer has. The dealer will take the wager from the table, along with the cards, and move on. After all players have taken cards, the deal will reveal his/her point total. The dealer does not have an option, if 17 or higher, the dealer must stand 16 or lower, the dealer must hit. The dealer takes as many cards until they get 17 or more. After the deal reveals his/her score, they either pay out the winnings to each player or take the money that was wagered. If a player has the same point total as the dealer, it is called a “push” and no money is lost, or won.

Payouts and Odds
A lot of blackjack payouts depend on what your bet is. Obviously, if you place $10, you will win $10 on a typical hand. Any loss, is what you wagered as well, unless there as a double down, or split. One a double down, know that you must double your wager which means if your initial wager is $50, you will double that. Payouts on blackjacks are sometimes 6 to 5; sometimes they are 3-2. Therefore if you grab a blackjack for a $5 bet, you would win $7.50 in return. Odds of winning at blackjack depend heavily on how many decks are being played.