Blackjack - The Basics

The Object of the Game

In blackjack, each player plays only against the dealer (i.e. the bank), independently of other players. Your goal as the player is draw cards (i.e. "hit") until your hand adds up to 21, or comes as close as possible without exceeding 21. If your first two cards total 21, you have blackjack.

The Rules

If the total value of your cards is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win as much as you have wagered. If you have blackjack, you win 3 to 2 times your bet (assuming the dealer does not also have blackjack).

Aces count as either 1 or 11, dressed cards as 10, and remaining cards according to their number values.

If the total of your cards exceeds 21, you "bust" and lose your wager. If you have the same card total as the dealer, from 17 and up, no one wins and you get your stake back in a so-called "push." Blackjack beats a score of 21.

Split

If your first two cards are of the same value, you may split them into two separate hands, placing a second wager of equal value. You then proceed to draw cards as usual. However, if you split two aces, you get only one additional card for each hand. If you split two aces and one of your hands totals 21, this is not considered blackjack, but 21.

Double Down

When you have been dealt two cards, and think that a third card will give you a position to beat the dealer’s hand, you can "double down". Your wager is doubled, and you are allowed to hit and receive just one additional card.

Insurance

Insurance is a game of its own within blackjack, and gives you the chance to protect yourself when you believe that the might have blackjack. If the dealer’s first card is an ace, he is considered to have a fair chance of getting blackjack. If believe that the dealer’s dark card is of value 10, you may insurance against dealer blackjack at the price of half your initial bet. If the dealer does have blackjack, the insurance pays 2 to 1, corresponding to the amount of your initial bet. If you have insurance, and the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your insurance. Your initial bet is then settled by comparing your cards with the dealer’s. Should you and the dealer both have blackjack, the game results in a push.

Rules for the Dealer

The dealer must draw cards until he has at least 17, and must stand at 17 or higher. If the dealer gets 16, he must take another card. The dealer may not decide whether or not to draw a card based on your hand, but must abide by the existing dealer rules. On the other hand, your player strategy should be guided by two factors:  your own cards and the dealer’s open card