How to Play Blackjack

This article will explain the basic rules, terminology, and tips of Blackjack.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A deck of cards
• One dealer and one player (maximum of six players)
• Chips or money

1. The goal of Blackjack is to beat the dealer without going over 21. If you go over 21 you lose that hand. To begin the game, you must place a wager before any cards are dealt.

2. Once the bets are in the dealer deals clockwise, starting with the first player to his/her left. The dealer deals one card at a time until everyone receives two cards. Everyone's cards should be face down with the last card facing up, the last card belonging to the dealer.

3. Some rules to consider:
   The number on the cards represent its own number. (Ex: a 9 and a 6 equals 15). All face cards equal the number 10. An Ace represents the number 1 OR 11 (Ex: An Ace and a 7 can equal the number 8 or the number 18).

4. Terminology used:
   "Blackjack"- When a dealer or player has an Ace and a face card, or 10. Thus, Totaling 21.
   "Stand"- Means you are happy with your hand and you do not want any more cards.
   "Hit"- You receive one card (face up) at a time. You can hit as many times as you want unless you go over 21.
   "Bust"- When a player or dealer goes over 21.
   "Double Down"- You can double the wager that you initially put in. You can only double down if your card totals a 10 or 11. When double downing, you will only receive one card. You cannot hit again.
   "Split"- To divide the hand into two hands. You must have a pair in order to split. You must place the same wager that you have done initially on the other card (EX: You place $20 on a pair of 8s. To split it, you must move one 8 to another hand and place another $20.) Now you can hit as many times as you want for each hand.
   "Insurance"- When the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, the player has the option to buy "Insurance". If you buy "Insurance," you believe that the dealer has Blackjack. To buy Insurance you must pay half of your initial bet (Ex: you bet $20, your insurance will cost you $10). If you win your insurance bet, it pays 2 to 1 (If your insurance is $10, you get $20.) If the dealer does not have 21 or Blackjack, you will lose your insurance bet and the game resumes.
   "Surrender"- Before you "hit" any card, you have the option to "surrender". You lose half your bet and you do not play that hand.

5. If a player goes over 21, that player loses his/her bet before the dealer plays. Once the hand is over, you can continue to deal with the next hand or if there are not enough cards, reshuffle the deck.

Tips & Warnings

• The number one reason the dealer has an advantage is because the player can lose before the dealer plays his/her hand.
• If the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, do not hit anything unless you have an 11 or less. Let the dealer bust.
• Just because the dealer shows a 10 do not assume that he has a 20. Try not to lose before the dealer.

[bjp7834]

on 8/10/2009 Good tips. I also think it is important to follow etiquette when playing. People who hit at times that make no sense can really put a damper on the game and upset people at your table. Thanks