Section:
Advice > Gaming Tips
The
Basics of Blackjack
by
Geoff Dempsey
The
object of Blackjack is to accumulate cards that add up to as close
to 21 as possible without going over. Cards are worth their face
value - with the exception of Kings, Queens and Jacks which are
each worth 10 and Aces which are worth either 1 or 11. If the value
of your hand is higher than the dealer then you Win - if
the dealer's hand is higher than you Lose. If the value of
your hand is over 21 then you Bust which is an automatic
loss. Likewise if the Dealer's hand busts then you win!
Play
begins when the cards are dealt. If there are already cards on the
table from a preceding game they will be cleared away. The new cards
will be dealt onto the table. Two hands of cards are dealt one for
the player and one for the dealer. The player's hand will always
contain two cards while the dealer's hand will contain only one
card. In some casinos a second card is dealt to the dealer but not
turned over. This is called the hole card.
After
both the dealer and the player have been dealt their cards, you
will have the choice to either 'Hit' or 'Stay'. When
applicable, you will also have the chance to take insurance against
the dealer's ace, to split cards of the same rank and to double
the original bet. Tell the dealer: "Hit" to draw another
card. Announcing: "Stay" will end the player's turn.
'Double'
is used to double your original bet. You will be dealt one more
card only and then the dealer will draw the necessary cards to complete
the hand. You can only double when the value of the first 2 cards
is 9, 10 or 11.
You
can take out 'Insurance' only if the dealer has an ace. The
cost of insurance is half your original bet. Insurance pays 2-1
and pays out when the dealer gets blackjack. If you double down
when the Dealer is showing an Ace, you will win an amount equivalent
to your bet and the Double if you beat the Dealer's cards You will
loose your bet AND the Double Down if the Dealer gets a Blackjack.
The
'Split' option can be chosen when your first 2 cards are
of the same rank. Your original hand will be split into two, each
with a stake equal to your original bet. You will be dealt a second
card for your first hand. You will then be able to hit, stand and
take insurance (where applicable) for your first hand. Once you
have chosen to stand (or go bust), a second card will be dealt to
your second hand and you will be then be given the relevant choices
for that hand. Once you have chosen to stand on your second hand,
the dealer will then draw the necessary cards to complete the game.
Once
the dealer's hand is complete (or bust), payouts will be
made to your balance according to the game's outcome.
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