Blackjack


All there is to know about Blackjack at BET365.com

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular and widely played casino card games. It’s a game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Here’s a comprehensive overview of blackjack:

  1. Basics of Blackjack:
  • The primary objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closest to 21 without exceeding it.
  1. Card Values:
  • Number cards (2 through 10) are worth their face value.
  • Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are each worth 10 points.
  • Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on what benefits the hand.
  1. The Deal:
  • Each player, including the dealer, is dealt two cards.
  • Players’ cards are usually dealt face up, while one of the dealer’s cards is face up (known as the “upcard”), and the other is face down (the “hole card”).
  1. Blackjack and Natural 21:
  • A “blackjack” or “natural” is achieved when a player or the dealer is dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King) as the initial two cards.
  1. Player’s Options:
  • Hit: Request an additional card to improve the hand.
  • Stand: Decline additional cards and keep the current hand.
  • Double Down: Double the initial bet and receive exactly one more card.
  • Split: If the initial two cards are of the same rank, the player can split them into two separate hands and play each hand independently.
  1. Dealer’s Actions:
  • The dealer follows a set of rules that dictate when they must hit or stand. Common rules include hitting on a total of 16 or less and standing on a total of 17 or more.
  1. Winning and Losing:
  • If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, the player wins.
  • If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players win.
  • If the player and the dealer have the same total, it’s a push, and the player’s bet is returned.
  1. Payouts:
  • Winning a standard hand (not a blackjack) typically pays even money (1:1).
  • A blackjack usually pays 3:2, meaning a player with a blackjack receives 1.5 times their original bet.
  1. Insurance:
  • Players can buy insurance if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. However, experts generally advise against taking insurance due to its unfavorable odds.
  1. Card Counting:
  • Card counting is a strategy used by some players to gain an advantage by keeping track of the ratio of high-value to low-value cards remaining in the deck. While legal, many casinos discourage or ban card counting.
  1. Variations and Side Bets:
  • There are various blackjack variations and side bets, such as Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Spanish 21, each with its own set of rules and payouts.
  1. Online Blackjack:
  • Online casinos offer a wide range of blackjack games with different variations and features. Live dealer blackjack is also available, providing a more immersive experience.
  1. Responsible Gambling:
  • As with any casino game, it’s important for players to gamble responsibly, set limits, and be aware of the risks involved.
  1. Basic Strategy:
  • Basic blackjack strategy involves making optimal decisions based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard. Basic strategy charts are available to guide players in making statistically sound choices.

Blackjack’s combination of skill, strategy, and a relatively low house edge has made it a casino favorite for decades. Whether played in a brick-and-mortar casino or online, blackjack continues to be a game enjoyed by players of all skill levels.