How to Play Blackjack
How you win:
Each player is playing against the dealer only, and not eachother. Your goal is to beat the dealer, not the other Blackjack players. Note that if a player busts (goes over 21) than that player looses, even if the dealer busts.
Place your Bet:
Before each hand is dealt, a player needs to make a wager. Many casinos that offer Casinos Blackjack have more than one version and many let players play multplie hands at once. Keep this in mind when it is time to bet. Check with the casino you are playing at for any changes to how they play blackjack (most should use these rules). Each casino may have different minimum bet requirements, so check with the casino you are playing at.
The Deal:
Each player is dealt 2 cards face up. The dealer is also dealt 2 cards, but only one of the dealers cards is face up. The face-down card is known as the "hole card. With some versions of blackjack, the hole card is not actually dealt until the players all play their hands.
Playing your Hand :
Once you have your cards, it is time to decide what you want to do with your hand. Remember, your goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. You also need to consider the dealers hand becuase if the dealer busts before you do, then you automatiaclly win. You may want to review the Blackjack Strategy to playing your hand based on the cards you have. After you get your first two cards, you have a few decisions to make about your hand. Your options are:
- Blackjack:
If the player or dealer have 21 with their first two cards, then they have Blackjack. This hand always beats a score of 21 with three or more cards.
- Hit:
The player wants another card to be dealt in order to try and get closer to 21. The Player may take a hit at any time before standing.
- Stand:
Means to stay with your current cards and not hit. You will automatiacally stand when you have 21 off the initial deal.
- Bust:
This is not a good thing. Busting is when you are dealt another card that puts your card total over 21, in which case you are out for the remainder of that hand.
- Push:
When both the player and the dealer have an equal hand without busting, then it is a push and the wager is returned to the player.
- Double Down:
The player is dealt exactly 1 more card and the bet is doubled. This is done when the player feels that taking one more card will put him/her in the position of beating the dealer. After the additional card is dealt, the player automatically stands and can not take another card.
- Split:
If the Player's first two cards are of the same value (i.e. 5, 5, or two matching face cards) they may be split into 2 separate hands by placing a second wager of the same value. The Player then proceeds to draw cards as usual. The only rule exception is that if a Player splits two aces, you get only one additional card for each hand. A hand totaling 21 after splitting aces is considered 21, not Blackjack.
- Surrender:
A player may forfeit half his/her bet and give up play for that hand.
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