How to Play Online Blackjack

 

If you have come here looking to learn how to play the famous table game that is Blackjack, then you have come to the right place.

A casino classic, blackjack has been around for an age, playable with such limited equipment as a mere deck of playing cards. Also going by other names such as 21 or Pontoon, blackjack as we know it today is not only a popular game in the casino, but also as an online gambling experience, too, making the legendary card game accessible to a whole new audience.

A game of luck, risk and reward, bravery and a bit of mathematics, blackjack can be an exciting prospect once you know the rules and you are up and running. So without further to ado, here is how to play blackjack.

A common misconception is that blackjack is all about getting to 21 – that is, making a total of 21 using the values of your dealt cards. However, this does not tell the whole strong, as more so, the aim of the game is to firstly, have a total that exceeds the dealer’s total and secondly, not exceed 21 when the dealer does.

Originally, two cards are dealt to each player from the ruffled deck of cards and it is from this which players must decide whether to stick or twist. There are more options, but we cover these later.

The value of each card is very simple, with cards between 2 and 10 being the face value of the number in which they show. Elsewhere, the picture cards (that is, Jack, Queen and King) act as a value of 10. Finally, the Ace can count as either high or low, depending on what suits you the best. The best hand in blackjack combines a picture card with an ace, making a total of 21 straight away.

Betting is usually done with chips rather than cash, where betters can choose how much they wa-ger on each round. Once the cards have been dealt, two to each player around the semi-circular table, courtesy of the dealer, you have your first decision to make in-game.

Options in Blackjack

– Hit

This is how you ask the dealer for another card, usually used when you think you can get a total amount closer to 21.

– Standing

This is to be used when you are satisfied with the cards you have at your disposal already. The stick to hit’s twist, if you will. This can be a safe option if you have a decent total, close to 21, that you don’t want to risk going bust with.

– Pair Splitting

If you have two of the same cards, such as two number 8s, you have the option to split them and play two hands. To do this you must make another bet equal to your original stake, and effectively play with two stakes.

– Double down

This option allows you to double your bet, perhaps if you feel like you have a great chance of win-ning. You can usually only do this after the first two cards are dealt.

– Surrender

This is how you opt out of a game if you do not fancy your chances of a win.

To read more on topics like this, check out the money category