 |
|
|
|
|
Blackjack is one of the most
popular and recognized games in modern casinos.
What is
Blackjack?
Blackjack is amongst the
most popular and well recognized of modern casino games. It is a
game between the player and the dealer. During a game of Blackjack
cards are dealt from a deck of cards (called a shoe) that may
contain anything from one standard 52-card deck to 6 such decks. The
player will be dealt two cards. The Dealer will be dealt one card.
In some casinos the Dealer is dealt two cards but only one is turned
so that its value can be revealed. The card that remains face down
is called the 'hole card.'
The object of Blackjack is to
obtain a hand with the highest possible value without exceeding 21.
All face cards (Kings, Queens and Jacks) have a value of ten and the
Aces can have a value of one (1) or eleven (11).
If the
player's initial two cards do not exceed or total 21 then the player
can requested another card (called a 'Hit'.) If the player's hand
does not go bust (exceeds 21) and still does not equal 21 the player
may continue to request additional cards until he busts, reaches 21
or decides to 'stay.' If the player is dealt a Blackjack (an ace and
a card of value ten) then the dealer will automatically lose unless
his single card is an ace or a ten. If the player is dealt a
Blackjack then he will not be allowed to draw further cards as he
already has the best possible hand.
If the player goes bust
the game is over and the dealer wins. Should the player reach 21 or
stay the Dealer will draw another card. If the Dealer's hand is less
then 17 in value the dealer must continue to draw cards until his
hand's value exceeds 17 or goes bust. In the event of the dealer not
going bust the value of the dealer and the player's hands are then
compared. If the player's hand is stronger the Casino will pay the
player twice the amount originally wagered. If the player wins on a
Blackjack the player will be paid out 2.5 times his original bet.
Blackjack Features
The
Increase button and Decrease button are used to adjust
the size of your bet. The bet size can only be changed between
games.
The Deal button starts a new game of
Blackjack.
The Hit button causes the dealer to give
you another card.
The Stay button ends your hand and
moves the game onto the next phase (be it the completion of the
dealer's hand or of your second hand.)
The Split
button is only available if the first two cards dealt in your hand
have the same value. The Split button causes this single hand to be
split into two separate hands.
The Double button
doubles your wager on your current hand. This is essentially a wager
on your next card being sufficient to beat the dealer's hand. After
pressing the Double button you will receive only 1 more card to
complete your hand.
The Insurance button is only
available when the Dealer's card is an Ace. Insurance is a bet
against the Dealer getting Blackjack. The Insurance bet cost half as
much as your original bet and will pay out 2 to 1 if the dealer gets
Blackjack. .
Playing the Game
Playing Blackjack at the Casino is easy.
Upon starting the Blackjack game for the first time you will be
presented with the Blackjack table. The default minimum bet will
already be placed on the table.
You can increase or decrease
the amount you wish to wager with the Increase and
Decrease buttons. The size of the column of Casino chips will
change as you do this.
Once you have decided on the size of
your bet you can start the game. Click on the 'Deal' button.
The Dealer will deal you two cards and deal himself one
card.
As soon as the last card is dealt you will be able to
decide whether to hit (take another card) or
stay.
If your initial cards are an Ace and a card of
value of ten then you have Blackjack and unless the dealer has an
Ace or Ten you automatically win the game and are paid out 2.5 times
your original bet.
If you draw another card (hit) and the
value of your hand now exceeds 21 then you have gone 'bust' and have
lost this hand. You may play again by clicking on the 'Deal'
button.
If you are satisfied with your hand press the
'Stay' button to end the game. The dealer will now draw cards
until his hand exceeds or equals 17 in value. If the dealer's hand
exceeds 21 you win because the dealer has gone 'bust.' If the
dealer's hand exceeds 17 in value but is less than 21 the value of
the two hands are compared and the stronger hand wins.
If
your hand is stronger than the dealer's you receive double your
wager back. If not, you lose your wager and can play again.
Blackjack Rules
Like any other
game Blackjack has certain rules. You may ask for up to five
additional cards as long as the value of your hand does not exceed
21. If you go over 21 this is called a 'bust' and you automatically
loose the hand. If you have not yet exceeded 21 after receiving
seven cards you will automatically stay and the dealer will receive
another card.
The dealer must stand on all 17 and draw on
16.
Face cards (the Jack, Queen and King) all have a
value of ten in Blackjack.
An 'Ace' card may have a
value of either 1 or 11. Any combination of cards that contains an
Ace card and whose value does not exceed 21 is referred to as a
'soft hand'. An 'Ace' will adopt the value most beneficial for your
hand. For example an Ace and eight will add up to 19 but if the
player chooses to take another card that would cause the hand's
value to exceed 21 the Ace will revert to a value of 1.
If
you are dealt an 'Ace' and a card with the value of ten (a natural
ten or face card) as your first two cards this is called Blackjack.
You will automatically stay when you receive a Blackjack. If
you beat the dealer with a Blackjack you are paid out at 3 to 2.
If you receive two cards of the same value (such as two
'Ace's or two fives or two tens) you may 'Split' your hand. This
means that your pair is divided into two separate hands. You wager a
second amount equal to that of your original wager on the second
hand and are able to play both hands as normal.
If you have
split a pair of aces and then draw a card with a value of ten
then this is not counted as Blackjack. Such a hand would have a
value of 21. It will beat any dealer's hand with a value of less
than 21 and draw against all other Dealer hands except a Blackjack.
This rule also applies to splitting pairs of cards with a value of
ten. Should you split a pair of tens (or face cards) and then
recieve an ace this hand is not counted as Blackjack.
If the
value of your initial two cards is 9, 10 or 11 then you are allowed
to 'Double.' This is a wager that your next card will be sufficient
to beat the dealer's as-of-yet-uncompleted hand. Your wager is
doubled but then so is the pay out if you win.
Insurance
only covers your original bet. It does not cover any Double Down
bet.
Back to main page
| 