Blackjack Rules
Blackjack is one of the most exciting card games played between a player and a dealer at online casinos. At land-based casinos there is the option to play against other players as well as the dealer. The goal is to beat the dealer with a higher-value hand, without exceeding 21. In blackjack, the top-value hand sports a total of 21 and players exceeding this mark have gone bust.
Blackjack rules at online casinos
The best way to hit a perfect blackjack is with a J and an Ace, although any two cards totaling 21 such as a 10, Q or K and an Ace will do the trick, but with a lower rank if a tie is recorded. A typical game of blackjack is played with between 1 and 8 decks of shuffled cards (52 to a pack). Players will notice that the dealer hands out cards from an interesting device called a shoe. Both the dealer and the player receive 2 cards each, but the player's cards are dealt first – face up.
The card values in blackjack
All cards have a hierarchy value in blackjack. Cards numbered between 2 and 9 have their nominal face value. There is no difference between suites (clubs, hearts, spades or diamonds). When it comes to royals (face cards) the J is the clincher and a J +Ace combination gets top billing. In blackjack, it is the value of the Ace that is most important. An Ace can assume either 1 or 11 depending on what is best under the circumstances.
Compiling hands in blackjack is a snap too. An Ace and a J is deemed a Natural. And this hand will always be a winner unless the dealer holds the same hand. In that case a tie ensues and then a push. Typically all bets will be returned in such an instance. Soft hands contain an Ace valued at 11 with 2 or more cards. But an Ace counted as 1 with two or more cards is considered a hard hand.
Betting starts in earnest with players being limited only by the table limits. As stated earlier, the player is dealt two cards face up. The dealer is dealt 1 card face up and one hole card. Now it's decision-making time. Players can 'hit' or 'stand' depending on the strength of their hand. Hitting means requesting another card, while standing means no further action is required and the hand will be maintained as is. There are options to double down, split or take out insurance, even-money or surrender as the game develops.
Note that there are very strict rules governing the dealer's conduct. The dealer typically hits when holding a total hand value of 16 or less. And more importantly the dealer stands on all 17 or higher hand values. Blackjack pays 3 to 2 for a winning hand.