Blackjack Basics

Blackjack is the most popular casino game in the United States. More players choose blackjack then craps, roulette, and baccarat combined. There are two reasons for this. First, blackjack is easy to learn. And second, it is impossible to master. Once players attempt blackjack, there is a continuing urge to win! Whether playing at a strict Vegas Casino or at a laid back Home Casino Party, learning the terminology and rules of the game is important. The basics go a long way in helping you strategize and make the best decision on how to play your hand. So, let’s get started! Table: Blackjack is usually played around a half moon shaped table. There are up to 7 players that sit on the outer portion of the curve, and a dealer that stands in the inner part of the curve. The table has a circle or square shaded area in front of each player. This is where the players place their chips for their bet. Slight variations in rules are found from casino to casino and from table to table. These are posted to one side of the table along with the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Cards: Blackjack is played with one or more standard 52 card decks. Most casinos today use at 4, 6, or 8 decks. This helps prevent the risk of possible card counters among the players. The cards are shuffled by the dealer or a machine. Once shuffled the cards are distributed by the dealer or a tray like box called a shoe. In a dealer dealt game players cards are placed face down. In a shoe dealt game, the cards are dealt face up. In both situations, the dealer’s cards are dealt with one card face up and one card face down. Cards 2 through 10 are taken at face value with no regards to their suit. Jack, Queens, and Kings are each worth 10 and aces can be used as 1 or 11. Objective: The plain and simple objective is to beat the dealer. This is accomplished by having a hand of cards higher than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. Play of Game: The game begins with players placing their bet. They do so by putting chips in the shaded betting area in front of them. Once bets are placed, two cards are dealt to each player and then the dealer. Judging from the face up card of the dealer and the cards that you have, you decide on your next step. Your options are to stand, hit, split, double down, insurance, or surrender (not available in all casinos).

• Stand means to not take any additional cards. Most casinos do not allow verbal responses because they will not be picked up by their cameras. To signal stand to the dealer, you pass your hand over your card palm down.
• Hit means to want an additional card from the dealer. To signal hit, you tap the table or scratch the table toward yourself.
• Split can be done when your first two cards dealt are the same value (Example is a pair of 4’s). Choosing this option splits the cards into two separate hands. You will then get dealt a second card for each hand and play them out separately. You signal a split by putting an additional bet, equal to your original bet, in the shaded bet area and moving your cards apart from each other.
• Double Down is increasing your original bet by the same amount (doubling it) and receiving just one more card. Doubling Down is done by adding the bet to the shaded area but not separating your cards like in a split.
• Insurance can be played when the dealers face up card is an Ace. You can place an insurance bet that the dealer will have a 10 value card face down to complete a natural blackjack. The bet can only be taken for half of your original bet. The effect is if you lose your hand, you could still win the insurance bet and break even.
• Surrender is forfeiting your cards after seeing both of your cards and the face up card for the dealer. This gives you half of your bet back. But, again, this is not an option in many casinos.

The game continues on until you or the dealer busts (goes over 21) or you choose to stand. If the dealer busts before you, you win. If you bust before the dealer, you lose. If no one busts, the person (dealer or you) with the highest value after standing wins. Bets: A natural Blackjack (21 with just your first two cards) is typically paid at 3-2. This means if you bet $2, you will win $3 (plus get back the $2 you bet). Some Casinos are offering 6-5, which will not get you as much winnings. If you beat the dealer but do not have a natural blackjack, you will win the amount of your original bet. If you bust, you forfeit your entire bet and if you surrender, you will receive half of your bet. Getting Started: An easy way to practice Blackjack is to play online or with friends and family first. Try hosting a Casino Themed Party for you and your friends to get familiarized with the game. Companies like Casino Party Planners have official tables, cards, and chips as well as experienced dealers to teach you the rules. This will make you more comfortable and ready to take on the stricter blackjack tables at the Vegas Casinos!