If you have been thinking about starting to play Blackjack but are unsure of how it works or want a little more information on Blackjack rules, this short guide will send you on the right track.
History of Blackjack
Blackjack, or Twenty-One, is a casino game that has been enjoyed for around 400 years. It’s not difficult to play – all you need is a 52-card deck (many casinos use more than one for convenience). The fast pace of the gameplay helps it maintain its popularity amongst players around the world.
Blackjack is a classic card game that likely originated from French Casinos in the early 1700s. The playing card back then was known as Vingt-et-Un” translating to Twenty One and this most like derived from ‘Chemin de Fer’ – an extremely popular form of baccarat at that time.
Blackjack Now
Although Blackjack has earned its popularity in respectable casino establishments. You can also play Blackjack online at many live casino websites.
During play at brick-and-mortar casino’s, all player sit around a table as the dealer stands dealing cards. Below each deck is a plastic card that reminds the dealer a reshuffle is needed.
Blackjack Rules
The simplicity of this game is part of the reason it is so popular both in casinos and online. The aim of the game is to beat the dealers hand by getting closer to 21 without going bust. The card values are as follows:
- Ace (1 or 11)*
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- Jack (10)
- Queen (10)
- King (10)
*Ace can be played to the value of 1 or 11, whichever is best with the other card or cards you are dealt.
After you are dealt the initial two cards you have the option to hit, stick, double down or split. Hit means to be dealt another card, should only be done if your original cards add up to a number low enough to take the risk. Stick means that you will not take another card and keep just what you have been dealt, you would do this if your current card were close to or add to 21. Double down, this means you double the wager and be dealt another card, only done if you’re confident with the cards you’ve been dealt. Split, only possible if you’re dealt a pair, you can split the hand into two and continue playing with both doubling your chance of winning.
When all players have had their go the croupier deals the house’s hand. This must beat the players hand without going bust themselves, casinos usually have rules that say they must stick at a certain number like 18 or 19 it is called a push when the players hand draws with that of the house all bets are returned to player.
The most regular pay-out is 1/1 meaning a $/€/£5 stake would return $/€/£10. If you get a blackjack, an ace and picture card therefore equalling 21 will pay out 3/2 odds so a $/€/£5 stake would return $/€/£12.50.
Online Blackjack
To play Blackjack online can be just as fun as in casinos, and there are many great websites offering games for you to join. Browse through our extensive offers page to find the best sites now! We hope you have enjoyed these simple Blackjack tips to help get you started with the game.
