Blackjack Rules

Rules for Playing Blackjack - How to Play Blackjack Rules

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Knowing how to play blackjack includes understanding the rules for the players and the dealers. These rules are different for each, and the dealer has much less flexibility when making decisions than the player does.

Each player and the dealer are dealt two cards. The dealer always receives one card face up and one card face down.

Scoring is based on a point total based on the cards' ranks. Suits are irrelevant.

Cards are worth their face value, except for aces and face cards. Aces are worth one OR eleven, while all face cards count as ten. Hands with an ace in them are called "soft" hands; cards without an ace, or cards where an ace MUST be counted as "one" to avoid going bust are called "hard hands".

The goal of the game is to beat the dealer by having a higher point total than the dealer while not "busting out".

Any total over 21 is considered a "bust" and is an automatic loss.

A two hand total of 21 is considered a blackjack and usually pays out at 3 to 2, but sometimes pays out at 6 to 5. A winning hand pays even money, a losing hand results in a loss for the player, and a tie is called a "push", which simply returns the player's bet.

Player Options in 21

The player has the following decisions available:

Hitting - A player "hits" his hand by deciding to take additional cards from the dealer.
Standing - A player "stands" when he decides to stop taking cards and take the total he currently has.
Splitting - A player can "split" two cards that are of the same rank into two playable hands by putting up another bet for the new hand, and the dealer gives the player a new card on each of the new, split hands.
Doubling down - A player doubles down by taking one card and standing while simultaneously doubling his bet on the hand. No matter what the additional card is, the player can't ask for more cards.
Surrendering - A player "surrenders" by forfeiting half his bet and ending the hand immediately.

Black Jack Rules for Dealer Decisions

Black Jack Rules for Playing The dealer doesn't get to make decisions; she must play according to the rules set for her by the casino. Normally the dealer must continue to hit her hand until she reaches a total of 17 or better. Depending on the casino, the dealer may or may not have to continue to hit once she gets a soft 17 too. Is online blackjack rigged? Play at a reputable online casino and you won't have to worry.