Blackjack 101: Basic Rules
Here are the basic rules of blackjack. Since every player needs to go over these rules for them to learn the game, it'll be a great idea to invest some time on them. The basic rules of blackjack are really easy to understand.
The goal of the game is not to get as close to 21 as you can or get a perfect 21 every time. For players to win in blackjack, they only need to beat the dealer's hand. The only provision is that they don't get a total past 21. Going over 21 means you go bust, and lose that hand.
In blackjack, the face cards on the deck is worth ten and the number cards are worth the face value. Aces are either worth eleven or one. The value of the Ace depends on which value gives a better hand.
Every blackjack player will start with two cards in the initial hand. One of the dealer's cards shall be displayed face up and the other card will have to be face down. With the cards in your hand and the dealer's displayed card you get to make your decisions in the current round of blackjack. The hidden card will be displayed after all players have played their moves.
If players think they need more cards to add to their total, they can "Hit" or ask to be dealt additional cards until they "Stand" or hang on to the current total of their respective hands.
If players' go over a total of 21 they "Bust" their hand. In blackjack, this means you lose regardless of what cards are in the dealer's hand.
You automatically win if ever you get a "Blackjack", this consisits of an Ace and any ten value card (i.e. a Ten, King, Queen, Jack). Depending on the house rules, you can win 1.5 the total of value of your wager.
You also have the option to "Double Down" in blackjack. When you double down you hit once (which means you get an additional card), double your wager, and stand.
The dealer doesn't play blackjack like the players do. Players can hit anytime they wish, while dealers must keep hitting until the total reaches 17 or higher.
If you get a hand that has a pair of the same value (e.g. a pair of Five's) you have the option to split your current hand into two hands. By doing so, you get two more cards to pair up with the original cards and you double your wager so that both new hands have equal bets.
These are the basic rules of blackjack. All you need to play your very first few blackjack games are here. We encourage you to practice a few games for fun before moving on to more serious stuff on blackjack.