Blackjack Basics

There are only a few decisions to make when playing this game. You must consider your cards and your dealer's card and remember, if you go over 21, you "bust", and if you "bust" you lose the hand.

The basic game progress is as follows:

1. A card is dealt, face up, to each player on the table and then one is dealt to the dealer. The dealer's card is face down and called the "hole" card.
2.A second card is then dealt, again face up, to each player.
3.Starting from the player to the left of the dealer, each player decides whether to draw further cards.
4.After all players have completed their hands, the Dealer proceeds to draw cards to complete the Dealer's hand. You win if:

•Your total in your hand is higher than the Dealer's total.
•The Dealer's hand goes over 21 or "busts".
If your total is the same as the Dealer's total it is a "stand-off" and you neither win nor lose. If you go over 21, or the Dealer's total is greater, you lose.

The Values of the Cards

Cards in Blackjack are assigned the following point values:

•Picture Cards (Jack, Queen and King) each count as 10 points.
•An Ace counts as 1 point or 11 points, whichever is better for owner of the hand.
•All other cards have their numerical face value. Jokers will not beused when playing this game.

What is a Blackjack?

Blackjack is a combination of an Ace and any 10 or picture card with your first two cards. It pays one and a half times your bet unless the dealer also draws Blackjack, in which case you have a "stand-off".

Restrictions on the Dealer

The dealer plays according to a strict set of rules. Dealers must take another card if their hand totals 16 or less. Dealers must stand (not take any more cards) if their hand totals 17 or more.

Splitting

If your first two cards are of equal value you may split these to form up to three separate hands. Aces may be split to form only two hands. You will receive an additional card for each hand, however a wager equal to your original bet must be placed each time you split.

Double Down Among the more profitable player options available is the choice to "double down". This can only be done with a two card hand, before another card has been drawn. Doubling down allows you to double your bet and receive one, and only one, additional card to the hand. A good example of a doubling opportunity is when you have in your hand, a total of 11, say a (6,5) against a dealer's face up card of 5. In this case, you have a good chance of winning the hand by drawing one additional card, so you might as well increase your bet in this advantageous situation. In either type of game, add an additional bet to the betting circle. Place the additional bet adjacent to the original bet, not on top of it. The dealer will deal one additional card to the hand.

Players are allowed to double down for any amount up to the original bet amount, so you could double down "for less" if you wanted. Just remember that you do give up something for being allowed to increase your bet: the ability to draw more than one additional card. If the correct play is to double down, you should always double for the full amount if possible.

Please note:We are not giving professional advice and do not guarantee any winnings in the game of Blackjack.

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