How to Play Blackjack

If you enter a casino you may easily be able to find the blackjack table because it always draws crowds and when the cards are hot the game can get quite loud and rambunctious.  The game of blackjack is popular and always has been because it is one of the simplest games in the casino.  Even if you have never played before, you can learn the game and start enjoying it in short order.

If you want to learn how to play blackjack you first need to understand the object of the game.  The basic object of the game is to put together a hand of cards that totals as close to 21 without going over.  Each of the cards has their own value, which you will need to know to put together said hand.  For instance, face cards such as Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 10 points each.  Ace cards are worth 1 or 11 points, player’s choice.  All of the other cards are worth their face value.  If an Ace and a 10 are the first two cards dealt the player will automatically with.

Up to six players can play blackjack at one time.  Usually six to eight decks are played with, all being shuffled together by the dealer.  To get the game started you will need to place a wager.  After this two cards will be dealt to you and the other players face up.  The dealer will get one card face up and one card face down.  The players then take turns choosing to stay or taking more cards to get closer to 21 without going over.  The players who do not bust wait for the dealer to take his or her turn.  When all of the players have completed this step the dealer will turn over the down card.  If the dealer has 17 or higher they will stay, if it is 16 or lower they must draw.

If you put together a hand of 21 with the first two cards you are said to have one blackjack and you will win 1.5 times your original bet.  The only time when this will not hold true is when the dealer also has blackjack.  At this point it will be a tie and you will get your bet back.  The players that have a higher hand value than the dealer will win the amount equal to their bet.  Players with a hand value that is lower than the dealer will lose their bet.  If the dealer busts, all of the remaining players will win.

As you can see, it is not difficult to learn how to play blackjack.  If you are new to the game you should take some time to practice and improve your skills.  The game is very fast paced so you need to be able to think on your feet.  If you can’t think on your feet you may make the wrong move, costing you the game time and time again.  Online casinos usually offer free blackjack games where you can practice and really gain the confidence and knowledge that you need to succeed at the game of blackjack.