Blackjack is a very popular casino card game. It is one of the most played card games globally, both offline and online. The basis of this game is that a dealer hands out cards in a sequence of one card to all the players, followed by more cards if and when asked by the players. The basis of this game is that cards dealt or served to the player must be higher than the dealer’s cards when totalled, but not more than twenty-one.
In blackjack, dealers could use a single deck of fifty-two cards or multiple decks, depending on the number of players, which normally does not exceed seven on one table and playing the same game.
Dealers use a holder or a shoe, as it is commonly called, to distribute cards to all the players. All decks are automatically shuffled, and there is generally proper diligence done in this regard to ensure there is no foul play at any time. In this game, there is also something called the blackjack 5 card rule, which is used by players very prudently for an advantage every once in a while. Other than this, the game has a very straightforward set of rules for conditions of play.
Values of Cards
Simply put, this is the value of each card per the number on the card – a two of any suit would be a value equivalent to two, and so on. The picture cards like Jack or Queen or King of any suit would each carry a value of ten, so if the player gets dealt two Jacks, then the total would be twenty. For the aces, the rule is a bit different. Each ace, irrespective of the suit, carries a value of either one or eleven. The number value of an ace will depend on the player’s other cards.
The Game
Basically, blackjack can be played with one deck of fifty-two cards or eight decks. This depends on the number of players at the table, which could be between one to seven and the dealer. All cards, when dealt to the players, are kept face-up on the table. The dealer, however, has only one face-up card and the other card face-down. All players take turns in deciding whether they wish to take another card from the dealer, which is popularly called Hit or if they prefer to Stand and Hold their cards already dealt to them. A Stand position normally becomes the last position for that player till the end of that particular game. Based on such situations, betting is done either by Folding or increasing the bets. All players bet against the dealer till a total of twenty-one is reached by anyone, player, or dealer. If the dealer reaches twenty-one first, then all the players lose their money. With so many exciting chances, it’s no wonder gambling and casinos are so popular across the world.
Dealer Shows Card
At the end of all player choices with their respective cards, the dealer is asked to show or turn the face-down card. In this, too, dealers are required to follow certain rules while hitting and standing. Once dealer cards are turned face-up, the totals are looked at, and the one with twenty-one or closest to twenty-one becomes the winner.
Bets and Winnings
Typically, a blackjack is called when a player or dealer gets dealt a picture card or value ten and an ace. This totals to twenty-one and becomes a winner straight away. In the event of a blackjack, the winner earns in a ratio of three to two. This may change and vary from casino to casino, as well as the rules agreed to before starting the game. Normally, winning hands get even more money in a one-to-one ratio. There is also the insurance bet. In this, if a dealer’s face-up card is an ace, the player can place a bet called an insurance bet in which the payout will be in the ratio of two to one if the dealer gets a blackjack.
Other Rules
There are casinos and game operators who may permit players to split hands multiple times in the event that matching cards are dealt. In a few cases, a double down or doubling of the bet could also be done on split cards. Rules and regulations can vary. Countries like the UK, South Africa, and others have different rules that they implement.
Casinos are mighty strict when it comes to following the rules and regulations pertaining to blackjack. Similarly, card counting can be looked at as cheating and fraud in many casinos. It is best to be ethical and practice responsible gambling. Understanding the rules for playing blackjack helps in devising a good strategy to play the game and win.
