Blackjack is one of the world’s most famous casino games, and thanks to the world of online casinos, like Mega Lotto, for example, the game is more accessible than ever! Often referred to as ‘21’, the game shot to fame in Las Vegas, and as the casino hub grew in popularity, so did Blackjack.
To get punters to play the game, casinos introduced a special rule. A hand with either of the black jacks (the jack of spades or clubs), along with the ace of spades, would pay-out at 10:1 – this is where the name Blackjack came from. However, as you’d imagine, the rule didn’t last long, but still to this day the name has stuck.
Whilst Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, and one of the most simplistic, there are still novices that don’t know how to play it! With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to play Blackjack!
Buy chips/make a deposit
Before you get playing, if you’re at a land-based casino, you’ll need buy chips, whilst if you’re playing online, you’ll need to make a deposit – both are usually capped at a $5 minimum. Most casinos nowadays no longer have cash tables, meaning you’ll have to exchange your money for chips, and this can usually be done at the table, or from a cashier. If you opt to get your chips from the table, lay your cash down – don’t hand it to the dealer! The dealer will count it and push the chips towards you.
Place your wagers
At the beginning of each round, you need to place your wagers. At land-based casinos, this is done by placing a chip, or chips, in the betting circle – this can sometimes be replaced by the casino’s logo. Online, chips worth various values are usually lined-up along the bottom. Similarly to the land-based game, select your amount and place the chips in the betting circle. At most North American casinos, the betting minimum is $5, however, online you can play hands from as little as $1.
Dealer distributes cards
Once all bets are placed, the dealer will begin to deal the cards. This is done in clockwise order, with each player receiving one card each, face up, whilst the dealer’s first card will remain face down. The dealer will then proceed to give each player another card – again face up – whilst also giving themselves a face up card this time.
Play the hand
Once everyone is dealt their two initial cards, it’s time to make some decisions – unless you’re dealt Blackjack, of course! In this case you automatically win, and will usually be paid out 3:2, rather than the regular 1:1. Again, this works clockwise, and there tends to be five ways you can play a hand:
- Stand – if you are happy with your two cards, you can opt to ‘stand’ and the dealer will move on to the next player.
- Hit – If you want to improve your hand, you can choose to ‘hit’. In this case, the dealer will present you with another card. You can now opt to hit again, or if you’re happy with your hand, you can stand. There’s no limit on how many times you can hit, although, if you go above 21, you’re ‘bust’, and out of the round.
- Double Down – If you fancy your chances with your hand, you can ‘double down.’ This means you’ll be dealt one more card and your initial wager will be doubled. For example, if your hand equals 11, then it tends to be best to double down as if you’re dealt a face card, or a 10, your hand will equal 21!
- Split – Splitting can differ depending on the casino! In some cases, you can only ‘split’ if you’ve got a pair. However, some casinos will let you ‘split’ on any hand. Splitting means separating your initial hand to play two separate ones – of course, this doubles your wager as well.
- Surrender – If you’re not happy with your hand, you can choose to surrender, and receive half of your wager back. However, this isn’t available in every game, so be sure to check the rules before you play!
Dealer plays their hand
Once all the players at the table have made their decisions, the dealer will play their hand. If the dealer’s cards have a higher value than yours, then the house wins. However, depending on the rules, the dealer will have to stop on a certain value, usually 18, or soft 17. In the American game, if the dealer’s face up card is an ace, they will check their face down card. You may be offered insurance, in case they have 21, and, if they do, the game ends straight away, and the house wins.
