Do you know all the rules of blackjack? Want to learn how to play this popular card game better?
Below we have run through the basic rules of blackjack, so that you are ready to play to win when you next head to your favourite online casino.
How do you play blackjack?
Blackjack is played by two or more players who also play against a dealer. It is one of the most widely played games at traditional and online casinos. The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s score, without exceeding 21. You make a blackjack if you score 21 with the first two cards that you are dealt.
What is an ace worth in blackjack?
Aces can have the highest value or the lowest value of any card in blackjack. This is because an ace can be worth either 1 or 11. This gives you the chance to use the ace to your advantage by taking the value that gives you the opportunity of achieving the best possible score.
Credit: Flickr
What happens if both you and the dealer have a blackjack?
21 is the highest number you can have in blackjack without going bust. Blackjack is where you get a score of 21 from two cards. You can get a score of 21 from two cards if you have an ace and any ten point card. The following cards will give you ten points:
-
Ten
-
Jacks
-
Queens
-
Kings
Cards from 2-9 all carry their own numerical values.
If both you and the dealer have a blackjack the bet is considered tie (also known as a push) and no money is lost or paid.
What is a push?
If both you and the dealer have made a score of 21 from a two hand deal, then you have a push. This is where yourself and the dealer have both made the best possible hand (a blackjack) and are equal. The result of a push is that you both have your money returned to you.
What is a split?
When you are dealt two of the same card in blackjack you are given the option to split your hand in two. This is called a split. If you choose to take a split, then you will be dealt two new cards and both your bet and your hand is doubled.
You must then play each of your hands in the same way that you would a single hand. This gives you two opportunities to beat (or lose) to the dealer.
How many decks of cards are used when you play blackjack?
The number of decks of cards used when playing blackjack changes depending on the type of game you are playing. It is within the rules of blackjack for you to play with one deck. However, most casino blackjack is played using between six and eight decks of a normal 52 card deck.
Is it illegal for me to count cards in blackjack?
It is not illegal for you to count cards in the UK. In the US it is not illegal to count cards under local, state, or federal law — as long as you have not used someone to help you count cards, or used a card counting device.
However, while it is not illegal for you to count cards in blackjack, casinos are very opposed to you doing so. If you are caught counting cards then the likelihood is that you will not only be banned from the casino that caught you, but that you will be blacklisted from other casinos.
Credit: Flickr
Can you count cards when playing blackjack online?
It is possible for you to count cards in blackjack, even when you are playing at your favourite online casino. You will only be able to count cards at an online casino which does not shuffle after every hand.
What is an early surrender in blackjack?
In blackjack you can make an early surrender. This is a rule that is rarely used, but an early surrender means you are able to forfeit your hand and half of your bet before the dealer has checked to see if they have a blackjack.
What is a late surrender in blackjack?
A late surrender is similar to an early surrender, in that you can surrender your hand and half of your bet. A late surrender is done once the dealer has checked for a blackjack.
Blackjack is a really fun game to play! Now you know the rules, you’ll be able to have more fun and take home greater winnings when you sit down to play blackjack at your favourite online casino.
