The idea behind blackjack is that you have to get a hand value that is closer to twenty-one than that of your dealer, without getting more than 21 and going ‘bust'. You should not worry about the other players, as they do not affect your game. You are strictly playing and comparing your hand against the hand of the dealer.
The dealer is not allowed to make any decisions and strictly follows the predetermined rules of play. For this reason it is OK for the dealer and or other players to see your current cards. Player cards are even dealt face up during shoe games. At first, when you are learning to play, do show the dealer and or other players your cards, and ask as many questions as you need to.
The first thing you need to know about blackjack, is what the cards are worth. An Ace counts as either one or eleven. Cards 2 through 9 are valued as indicated. The ten, Jack, Queen, and King each count 10.
When you have a hand that contains an Ace, it will be called "soft," as the Ace can count as either one or eleven. For example, when you have a six and an Ace, it will be a soft 17. This is because you can now draw another card without worrying of going "bust" by getting more than 21. When you draw a ten and have (Ace,6,10) your hand is a "hard" 17, since the Ace can now only be a one, as counting it as eleven would make you bust.
Once the bets are placed, cards will be dealt to the players. He'll make 2 passes around the table starting at his left side, ensuring that both the players and himself have 2 cards each. The dealer will then turn 1 of his cards over, displaying its value. |
