Arguably, the most popular casino game, Blackjack has been around – in forms – for centuries.
It was in 1700s France that the game first developed. Here, it was known as Vingt-et-Un, which is a translation of Twenty-One.
Now, you can enjoy playing Blackjack at an online casino, or at your local land-based venue. With fairly simple gameplay, and a lower house edge than most other casino games – it’s no wonder the game is a firm favourite!
With this in mind, read on to find out how to play Blackjack…
The aim of the game
The aim of Blackjack is quite straightforward – to beat the dealer. You can do this by drawing a hand value that’s higher than the dealer’s, by the dealer going ‘bust’ and drawing a hand value that goes over 21. Or, by drawing a hand value of exactly 21, when the dealer does not.
You’ll lose to the dealer if your hand goes over the value of 21, or if they have a higher value in their hand than yours at the end of the round.
Card values
To understand the game a bit better before you start playing, you’ll need to know the values of each card that could be dealt to you:
- Cards two to nine are worth face value.
- 10s and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10.
- Aces can be worth one or 11, whichever best suits your gameplay.
How to play
Blackjack is usually played on a semi-circular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players. Typically, more than one card deck will be used in play – most commonly six or eight in one go. This can alter the house edge, so be sure to check.
Once you’ve taken your seat at the table, whether it be virtually or at a land-based casino, you’ll be able to place your wager. The minimum and maximum bets can also vary depending on the table at which you choose to play.
When everyone is ready, the dealer will deal one card, face up, to each player, clockwise. They will then deal one card face down for themselves. After this, a second face up card will be dealt to each player, alongside another one for themselves, also face up.
You’ll then want to work out the current value of your hands to decide what to do next.
You can:
- Stand – choose not to be dealt another card.
- Hit – ask for another card to be dealt to you.
- Double down – double your wager if you’re confident in your hand.
- Split – if you’re dealt a pair, and want to separate them into two hands.
- Surrender or fold – and exit the game in exchange for half your original bet.
To figure out the best option, you’ll want to learn basic Blackjack strategy. You can even ask for a strategy card and refer to this during gameplay.
Once everyone is happy with their cards, the player who has managed to beat the dealer will receive a payout that’s worked out in accordance to their original bet. If the dealer wins, they keep the bets.
Remember that the other players have no impact on your game, and a win is never guaranteed. But, as one of the most popular casino games of all time, will you try your chances at Blackjack?
