How To Play Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular games and it is offered in almost all the casinos. I do recommend that you find a free blackjack program, I think Facebook has one, if not just about every Windows machines has one built in. You should practice your techniques there before gambling at a casino.

A blackjack session begins when the player places his wager. It is important that you know the table’s limits before you take a seat. They will be posted on the table, or if you are unsure, simply ask the dealer. They are there to help

After you place your bet at the Blackjack table you and the other players will be dealt two cards. The dealer also deals himself two cards but only exposes one of them.

Your goal in this game is to beat the dealer by having a higher hand without going over 21. Part of blackjack strategy is figuring out when you can beat the dealer with even a low hand (which is very possible if you get the feeling that the casino dealer may go bust if it draws another card.)

The Blackjack dealer will then ask you whether or not you wish to stand (not be dealt any more cards) or take another card from the deck. Taking another card it called taking a hit.

If you have been dealt two cards of the same numeric value, the dealer may ask you if you want to split the hand. This means you can make two hands out of those two cards. When you split, you are required to place a second bet equal to your original bet for your second hand.

You will also be offered the option to double down. If after being dealt your first two cards and you have a hand that adds up to 9, 10, or 11 you are given the opportunity to double your bet. If you draw one card that adds up to a hand that will beat the dealer then you double your money. The caveat is that you only get one card, so if the Blackjack dealer gives you a 2 on a hand of 11 you will only have 13 which is unlikely to beat the house. However if you draw a 10 then you have what is called a natural blackjack.

You will find that playing Blackjack can be a bit intimidating in a casino, not because the game is hard but because other players expect you to play a certain way. This is not hard and does not require much brain power, l as long as you remember that the goal of the game is to beat the dealer and not necessarily get 21. So don’t split 10′s and don’t hit if the dealer is showing a break card (5 or 6).

If you have any tips that you would like to add, please put them in the comments.