How to Play Blackjack

The object of the game is to beat the dealer (not the other players), with a hand of cards that does not go over a total of twenty-one.

The value of the hand is the sum of its cards.

Face cards count as 10. Aces count as either 1 or 11. All other cards count as their face value.

The example to the left adds up to 21 (Blackjack) or 12.

Play.

Play begins with each player placing a bet. Each player and the dealer receive two cards. The first two player cards are dealt face down for single deck games and face up for multiple deck games. In all games, the dealer receives one card face down and the rest face up.

After the initial deal, the dealer settles with each player separately. A player can continue to draw cards (hit) until the player wants to stand, or until the hand goes over 21 (bust). Players can hit or stand on any card total of 21 or below.

When each player is either standing or busted, the dealer must draw cards as long as his or her total is less than 16 and must stand when the total is 17 or more. The one exception to this rule is the play option setting of Dealer Hits On Soft 17. If this option is used, the dealer can use an Ace as 1 (rather than 11) and hit on 17. This option is more favorable for the casino.

Winning.

You win Blackjack by beating the dealer's hand. You must hold a hand that is equal to or less than 21, and also beats the dealer's hand. If the first two cards you receive are Blackjack, and the dealer does not have Blackjack, you win immediately.

If you tie the dealer, it is called a push and neither side wins. If you split or double down, you can win (or lose) even more money than you initially bet.

The dealer settles nearly all bets at even money. If the player has Blackjack and the dealer has an ordinary hand, the player receives a 3 to 2 payment on the amount of the bet.

Strategies.

Strategies are always based on the combination of the cards in your hand and the cards showing in the dealer's hand.

You may be tempted to hit or stand solely on the basis of the cards totals you are holding, but you must always consider the dealer's up-card when determining whether to hit, stand, double down, split, surrender, or buy insurance. For example, you may have a hand of between 13 and 16 and think it's obvious that you should hit, but if the dealer is showing a 6 or lower, your odds of winning are better if you stand.

The goal in Blackjack is to beat the dealer, which can be accomplished in two ways: by holding a hand of 21 or less that is higher than the dealer's, or by standing with a hand under 21 and the dealer busts.

Many players think they should try to get as close to 21 as possible on each hand, and end up busting more than is necessary. Because the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17, you can use this rule to your advantage by knowing when to stand, even if your hand total is not that close to 21.