Winning via Blackjack often pays out winnings at a 3:2 ratio as opposed to the usual 2:1.Īt this stage, a player can also double down, split or surrender, and they may wish to place a side bet or insurance bet: all of these options are covered in more detail in their own articles. This is the strongest possible position a player can be in, meaning their turn automatically ends. If a player or the dealer’s opening two cards are comprised of an Ace card with a Face or 10 card for an overall value of 21, then they have got Blackjack. Provided the value of their hand has not exceeded 21, a player can hit as many times as they want. Alternatively, they can hit, meaning their hand receives another card. They can stand, meaning they are happy with the initial value of their hand and do not want to receive any more cards.

Once the player has received their two cards and their turn begins, they have several options. The dealer then deals each player two cards face up and deals themselves one card face up. This means that if a player goes bust on their next card, they are out of the round.Īt the start of the round, each player places their bets. Instead, the Ace would then be considered worth one to give the hand a new overall value of 16.Ī hand containing an Ace card worth one or no Aces whatsoever is called a hard hand. For instance, if a hand comprised of an Ace worth 11 and a seven initially totaling 18 gets an eight card, the player would not then go bust with a value of 26. Essentially, you bet on being able to do this to beat the dealer.īlackjack is generally played with one to six players (not including the dealer) and can a use a solitary deck of cards or up to as many as eight.įace cards (Kings, Queens and Jacks) are worth 10, cards from two to 10 are worth their 'pip value' (the value stated on the card) and Aces can be worth one or 11.Ī hand containing an Ace card worth 11 is called a soft hand, as it can take another card without risk of going bust. The primary objective of Blackjack is to get a hand of cards with a greater value than the dealer’s without the value of your hand exceeding 21, which is referred to as going bust.

How to play 21 at the casino