Rules of Blackjack Explained

Before any play begins, the player places a bet. In casinos the player may be one of up to eight players taking cards from the dealer. With the online format, the player needs only concern himself with play against the dealer.

The initial play consists of the player being dealt two cards face up, while the dealer has one card face down, and the other card face up.

The player then makes a decision as to whether to stay, or have a hit to get closer to 21 without busting and scoring higher than the dealer. That decision is entirely up to the player. The player decides from looking at the numerical value of their cards and deciding if the hand they hold will be strong enough to go up against the dealers’ hand.

The dealer, at this stage has one card face down so its value is not known.

The player can, of course, win immediately, if the first two cards dealt total 21. Blackjacks’ term comes from the original cry of one black jack with a numerical value of ten points, and ace of spades used as eleven points.

If the dealer also scores 21, a tie is declared. This is also known as a push and bets are returned.

If there is no instant 21, the game continues. The dealer then turns their face down card over to show its value. The basic rule stipulates that the dealer stays if he has 17 or higher, but on scores of 16 or lower must hit with another card.

Players with a lower count than the dealer will lose their bet. Players with a higher total win the amount equal to their wager. The player also has other options available to them depending on the hands drawn.