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Basic Blackjack Rules for Players


Following blackjack rules can help you maximize your chances of winning big. Also, referred to as 21, blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games.Blackjack Basic Rules

Blackjack online real money is a fast-paced game and has quickly become one of the most played casino card games. This game is well on its way to becoming one of the most profitable casino games. If you want to learn some of the most important blackjack rules that you need to follow.

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Casino Blackjack Rules

With an objective to getting a count as close to 21 as possible and beating the dealer, blackjack has numerous rules that favour the dealer. Firstly, a general blackjack rule is that the player should never take insurance.

The only time you are permitted to take insurance is when the strategy is mathematically proven and advanced. This will alert the player to unlikely situations where insurance is worthwhile. However, we advise that players try and steer clear of insurance, this should be avoided at all costs like the bad bet.

The most prominent rule is that the player should act before the dealer at all times. This allows the player to lose and bust their bet before the dealer gets a chance to play.

Rules for Playing Blackjack

Blackjack Dealer Rules

Blackjack comes with numerous rules and it is imperative that you understand them so that you are able to play the game effectively.

Although the majority of casino game rules apply to both the dealer/banker and player but blackjack is different. This game has some rules that only apply when dealing with the banker. Below we look at some of the most common blackjack dealer rules are:

  • A standard dealer rule is that they always stand on a soft 17. What this essentially means is that the dealer must stand if they have a hand that amounts to 17.
  • The correct way to place a wager is to place your chips on the blackjack table. Following that, the dealer will receive it. The dealers are not allowed to place the chips down on your behalf but they are pleased when you bet.
  • You should never give your original bets directly to the dealer.
  • It is common courtesy to always tip your dealer.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

It is vital that you play each hand in the most optimal way if you want to win in blackjack. Another strategy you can employ is to know what the dealer’s upcard is. In order to make the most of your time when you play this card game, it is important that you never take a card if there is any chance of going bust.

The basic strategy with a soft hand, is to keep hitting until a sum of at least 18 has been reached. Therefore, with a six and ace (7 or 17), the player would hit and not stop at 17. When it comes to doubling down, the strategy is also simple, all you have to do is to always double down when you have a total of 11. When you have a total of 10 then you should double down except if the dealer shows an ace or a ten-card. Double down only if the dealer’s card is poor or fair (2 through 6) if you have a total of nine.

In terms of splitting, you should always split if you have a pair of aces or 8s. You should never split identical ten-cards. Additionally, you should never split a pair of 5s. This is mainly due to the fact that two 5s are a total of 10 and this can be used if you want to double down effectively. Do not split a pair of 4s. This is because 8 is a great number to draw to. Unless the dealer’s card is poor (2 through 6), you should not split 6s.

Table Blackjack Rules for Beginners

A concept that all blackjack players need to keep in mind is that every possible combination of a dealer up card and player hands has a mathematically correct play. This is what is referred to as a Basic Strategy table. However, some plays in the table have to be modified so that they are in line with the specific combination of rules in force.

It is vital that players generate a basic strategy table to ensure that they are following the correct strategies. The strategy table also offers detailed specific rules of the game.

Players will be presented with a number of tools so that they are able to use the strategies. Moreover, our experts recommend that players utilize the blackjack basic strategy calculator.

With all the best blackjack rules and basic strategies there is no perfect outcome that you will have. Players need to know that the rules set in play, the player will be at a disadvantage in most instances.

Blackjack Surrender Rules

The different types of blackjack come with their own rules that players need to follow if they want to play the game effectively. Players should always keep in mind that games that have the surrender rule have a unique set of their rules and regulations. Below we list the rules for such games:

  1. The first rule is that the dealer is expected to always stand on 17’s.
  2. Here, before having to stand, you are only restricted to getting a single card once you have split aces.
  3. You receive 21 rather than blackjack if any one of your split Aces receives a 10-point card.
  4. The payout is 3:2 when you hit win in a blackjack surrender game.
  5. In blackjack surrender, you are able to double down.
  6. Besides the natural blackjack, a seven-card Charlie beats all the other hands.
  7. In blackjack surrender the peek rule is applicable.

Blackjack Payout

The player with the best hand is the winner in the game of blackjack. After all the hands on the table have been played, the dealer reveals his hole card. If the dealer’s hand is higher or totals of 17 it means that he/she will stand.

However, if the dealer busts they will be required to pay 1 times the wager to every individual hand on the table. Alternatively, if a player’s hand is still in play, the dealer will make a hand, and it will be a battle to find a person with a better hand.

How to Play Blackjack Online

The game is played between the casino dealer and the casino player. The objective of this table game is to reach points without exceeding 21. Blackjack is played with 52 decks of cards. The initial two cards are dealt to the casino players. The cards are distributed according to the player calling “hit me.” The players are dealt face cards that have a value of 10. All the other card is their pip value.

Equally the casino dealer and the player can count the ace as either one or 11 points. All cards are counted as their respective numeric value except for the face cards. There are a number of blackjack variations available. If you opt for the insurance bet and lady luck is on your side, your payout will be double the amount of your half-bet- a 2 to 1 payoff.

How to Play Blackjack

Although playing blackjack at a land-based and online casino remains the same, there are some etiquettes that players need to keep in mind when playing at an online casino such as how you should interact with the dealer. Below we share a detailed how-to guide:

  1. Firstly, the game begins when the players have been dealt their cards. The dealer gives him/herself the relevant cards. The objective is to reach 21 and not exceed it. Always keep in mind that you are playing against the dealer and not the other players at the table.
  2. There are a couple of playing options that you can follow and we discuss these below:

Double: You can double if your hand is advantageous. Doubling your bet as well as the cost of receiving an additional card is possible.

Hit: This option applies if a player requires another card to better their total hand. Alternatively, you can opt to stand if you are happy with your cards. When you stand, the dealer will stop dealing you any additional cards.

Splitting: You can split and place a second wager if your hand consists of two equal value cards.

Surrender: Deciding to surrender will mean that you lose half of your wager. You will not be able to play the hand. However, players should note that this is only applicable to the two cards they were dealt initially.