Blackjack Overview
 Blackjack
has long been a popular casino game the world over, and has a
rich and historical heritage.
Today there are many different
types of blackjack including Atlantic City Blackjack, Bonus
Blackjack, Vegas Blackjack and many more.
However the principles are virtually the same.
The objective of online blackjack is simply to beat the dealer's
hand by getting 21 or as close to 21 as possible, without
exceeding 21 ('busting').
Getting 21 with a 10 card and a picture card is known as a
'Blackjack'.
In blackjack the cards are valued as follows: Aces represent 1
or 11 points, picture cards and 10s represent 10 points, and the
remaining cards retain their face values.
Players lay down their bets before a hand is dealt. The hand
will start when you and the other players (usually up to 4 per
table) are each dealt two face-up cards. The dealer then deals
himself two cards, one face up and the other face down.
At this point, you can ask the blackjack dealer to 'hit' you (deal you
another card) to get your hand closer to 21 points, or 'stand'
(keep your original cards).
If you get a Blackjack, you will be paid out 3:2. If you bust,
you lose your bet. If the dealer busts, you win 1:1.
However, if the dealer also gets a Blackjack, this is known as a
'push' and instead of winning, you will get your original bet
back.
According to the rules of blackjack, the dealer is required to
hit if he is holding 16 points or below and stand if he is
holding 17 points or over.
While you cannot change your initial bet after a hand begins,
there are other options open to you:
Blackjack Options
Splitting
- If you are dealt a pair, say two 7s, you can choose
to 'split' them. In other words, play them as separate hands. In
this case you must put in your initial bet again, to cover the
second card. You can choose to be hit on each hand as many times
as you wish.
Double Down
- Another option in blackjack is to 'double down' which is when
you double your initial bet when you are confident that the
dealer will bust. Remember that if you choose to double down,
you will be dealt one additional card and no more.
Insurance
- This is when you 'insure yourself' when you are
confident that the dealer has a Blackjack. If the dealer reveals
his second card and it is not a face card or a 10, you lose your
insurance bet. An insurance bet pays 2:1. (Most advanced online
blackjack players do not recommend taking insurance).
In online blackjack, minimum and maximum bets will be different
depending on the online casino and the particular blackjack game
you are playing.
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