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Step 1
The basic thing to know about how to play Blackjack is you need hit “21” or a “blackjack”. Cards from two to ten are scored by their face value, all face cards are worth ten points, and aces can equal one or eleven. The point of the game is to have your cards add up to equal twenty one points.
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Step 2
When learning how to play Blackjack you will hear a lot of terms that you might not have heard before. Remember, the point is to have your cards equal to a total of twenty-one. To do that you may need to “hit”. This means that you want an extra card because the two that are dealt to you at first do not equal twenty-one.
You can hit as many times as you like until you decide to “stand or stay”, which means you do not want any more cards. You can also “bust” if you go over twenty-one. Now a player can win without reaching twenty-one if the dealer busts, so keep that in mind as you play. This pays “even money” if the dealer busts which means that whatever you bet will be doubled.
If the player and the dealer tie, the best is called a “push” which means that you do not win any extra money but you do not lose your original bet either. -
Step 3
Of course when learning how to play Blackjack, you have to talk about betting and how it works. The round begins with each player placing a bet in the circle or logo that is in front of them on the table. (Online games will do this by clicking on the bet button and animating this same action.)
The dealer will then give each player two cards, face up. The dealer’s cards have an “up card” that is face up, and a “hole card” that is face down.
A tip: If the dealer shows a ten or an ace, it's possible that he has a blackjack. In this case, all the players will lose unless they also have a blackjack. -
Step 4
In the United States, the dealer immediately checks his hole card for a blackjack and if he has one, will collect all losing bets immediately.
This is important to know if you are learning how to play Blackjack since European countries and Australia often have their own ways of playing the game or added rules and ways to win. Keep that in mind as you decide what type of “21” game to play. -
Step 5
A great strategy to keep in mind about how to play Blackjack to win money is that the dealer and most players should “hit” if their cards total sixteen or less and “stand” if they have seventeen or more.
Of course everyone has their own style or reasons for not following this rule, but if you are beginner, this is a great rule to follow to keep you from losing everything. -
Step 6
Learning how to play Blackjack is easy as long as you remember to have fun and enjoy the game. The minute you play only for the money will be the minute you start losing.
While you're here be sure to take a look around at more great tips and information on how to play and win blackjack.
