Quick Guide About Playing Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games out there. And for good reason – there’s a lot of fun! But if you want to be a winner at blackjack, there’s more to it than just luck. You need to know how to play the game well. 

Keep reading to find out the basic rules of blackjack, the variants of the game, as well as some tips and strategies for winning. Blackjack is a great game for beginners and experienced casino players alike.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Blackjack Rules

While blackjack may seem like a simple game at first glance, several complex rules govern the play. To truly master the game, it is necessary to understand these rules inside and out. Here is a comprehensive guide to the blackjack rules, so that you can hit the casino floor with confidence.

In blackjack, players are trying to score as close to 21 as possible without going over. Cards 2 through 10 are worth their numerical value, while face cards are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on what is most advantageous for the player. The object of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by scoring higher than the dealer without going over 21.

Players start by placing their bet in the designated area on the table. Once all bets have been made, each player and the dealer are dealt two cards. The player’s cards are dealt face up, while the dealer has one face up and one face down card. Based on their two initial cards, players can choose to “hit” and receive additional cards from the deck, “stand” and keep their current hand, “double down” and double their bet in exchange for one additional card, or “split” their hand into two separate hands if they have two cards of equal value.

blackjack table from above with dealers hands dealing cards

Once all players have finished taking their actions, the dealer will turn over their face-down card. The dealer then hits or stands based on a set set of rules. If the dealer goes over 21 (known as busting), then all players who are still in the hand win automatically. If the dealer does not bust, then the hands are compared, and whoever has scored closest to 21 without going over wins. It’s that simple! Now that you understand the blackjack rules, go forth and enjoy all this great game has to offer.

Variants of BlackJack

European Blackjack

European Blackjack is a variation of the classic game that is popular in casinos around the world. There are a few key differences between European Blackjack and the original game. For one, European Blackjack is played with two decks of cards instead of the standard six decks. This change reduces the house edge and makes the game more balanced for players. 

Another difference is that European Blackjack does not allow players to re-split pairs or double down after splitting. This means that players have to be more strategic in their betting, as there is less room for error. Overall, European Blackjack is a challenging and exciting variation of the classic game that offers players a unique gaming experience.

blackjack table at casino in monte carlo

Face Up 21

This is another blackjack variant that is becoming increasingly popular in casinos around the world. The game is played with six decks of cards, and the dealer deals two cards to each player, face up. In the original games, the dealer also receives two cards, but only one is dealt face-up. This gives players a significant advantage, as they can see all of the dealer’s cards from the start of the hand.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

Perfect Pairs Blackjack is a variation of the original blackjack game with a few notable differences. The goal of the game is still to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, but there are now two betting options on each hand. The first bet is for the hand itself and the second bet is for the possibility of being dealt a pair. If the player is dealt a pair, they win the perfect pairs bet regardless of whether or not they win or lose their main hand. 

Having cards with the same value normally have 5:1 odds while having cards with the same value, and the same color, but a different suit, will result in a 10:1 winning. Moreover, hitting a “Perfect Pair” may result in up to 30:1 jackpot winning.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a blackjack variant that is popular in both online and brick-and-mortar casinos. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, but the key difference is that all of the cards with a face value of 10 are removed. 

These changes may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on the overall gameplay. As a result, Spanish 21 offers players a unique and enjoyable blackjack experience.

Improve the Way you Play Blackjack

For those who are new to blackjack, the game may seem fairly straightforward. However, there is a certain amount of strategy that goes into playing the game effectively. 

21 hand blackjack king and ace

When to Hit/Stand?

Several different strategies can be employed in blackjack, but one of the most important is knowing when to hit and when to stand. Although there are no hard-and-fast rules, there are some guidelines that can help players make the best decision for each hand. Generally speaking, it is advisable to hit when the player’s hand totals 11 or less and to stand when the hand totals 17 or more. 

However, this may vary depending on what cards the dealer is showing. For example, if the dealer has a low card showing, it may be beneficial to hit even if the player’s hand totals 16. Conversely, if the dealer has a high card showing, it may be best to stand even if the player’s hand totals 12. Ultimately, it is up to the player to use their best judgment in each situation.

When to Double?

Another strategy is to know when to double down which can be crucial to winning more money in certain situations.

Doubling down simply means increasing the size of one’s bet after seeing their initial two cards. This is typically only done when the player has a strong hand, such as a 9, 10, or 11. It can also be wise to double down when the dealer is showing a weak card, such as a 5 or 6. By Doubling Down, players are essentially saying that they are confident in their hands and believe that they have a good chance of winning.

Of course, no guarantee doubling down will always lead to a win. But in certain situations, it can be the smartest move to make. 

When to Split?

Anyone who’s ever played blackjack knows that one of the most important decisions you’ll make is when to split. The goal of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, and splitting can help you do that by turning two weak cards into two strong ones. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when deciding whether to split. 

  • First, you should only split if you have a pair of identical cards. 
  • Second, you should only split if the dealer’s up card is weaker than yours. 
  • Finally, you should only split if you’re comfortable with putting in an extra bet. 

If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be able to make the right decision when it comes time to split in blackjack.

Other intresting card games to play at a casino is Baccarat. It gives the same thrill and fun.