Objectives of Blackjack

Blackjack is a simple card game where the aim is to have your hand add up to 21, or closer to 21 than the dealers hand.  If you get over 21 you “bust” and automatically lose.  If the dealer goes over 21 he “busts” and you win!

The dealer plays to a strict set of rules which generally means that once their hand adds up to 17 or over they have to stick, you on the other hand are free to “stick” or be dealt extra cards until you are happy with your hand.

How to play

Blackjack Opening Hand

Once you have made your initial bet you are dealt 2 cards face up and the dealer is dealt 2 cards one which is face up and the other face down.

The value of all cards is as follows, suits do not alter the value of the card.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are all at face value

10, J, Q, K are all worth 10

A is either worth 1 or 11 depending on the most favorable option for the player.

If you are dealt an Ace (A) and a card which has a value of 10 (10, J, Q, K) you have Blackjack and are paid at a rate of 2.5 times your stake.  Unless of course the dealer is also dealt blackjack, in which case you “push” and receive only your stake back.

If you are not dealt a blackjack you must decide on the best course of action for your hand.  you can then either “Stick” or “Stand” with the value of your hand or “hit” and receive more cards to try and get as close to 21 as you can without going “bust”

Additional play options

If the value of your initial two cards is 11 or less you may be able to “Double down” which means you put in the value of your initial stake again to receive one more card only.  If you win you receive double both your stake AND your additional bet.

Should you be dealt two matching cards you may also be offered the option to “Split” which entails again making an additional bet equal to your initial stake to make two separate hands.  So if you are dealt 9-9 your hand will be split and two extra cards would be dealt to you, and you would play both of these independently.

Once you are happy with your hand you “stand” and then it is the dealers turn, both cards will be turned over and the dealer must hit until he has 17 or above.  Once the dealer has finished whoever has the highest total without exceeding 21 wins.

When the dealer is dealt a face up Ace the player is offered the option of taking out insurance.  This protects the player in the case of the dealer having a blackjack.  The cost of insurance is half your initial stake, you are effectively betting that the dealer “does” have blackjack, if the dealer does indeed have blackjack you will lose your initial stake, but win on your insurance bet.  Basically you walk away even.  If the dealer does not have blackjack you have lost your insurance stake and the rest of the hand carries on as normal.  My advice would be to NEVER TAKE INSURANCE.  It’s just another way that the casino can take your money.

So now you know the rules why not play for free and hone your skills without making a deposit.  Alternatively it pays in the long run to learn Blackjack basic Strategy, which if you stick to gives Blackjack the LOWEST house edge of ALL casino games!

To play for free find Blackjack in the Bet365 Casino and click “Free Play” to practice at your hearts content.