Blackjack is not that difficult to learn. It has one objective: get a card total of 21 without going over 21. Going over 21 is busting and means that you have lost that round and your bet. But if you do not go over 21 and the dealer either busts or has a card total less than yours, you win with a 2:1 payout. Now getting blackjack means that you have a 3:2 payout. First you need to understand the playing terms for blackjack.
Stand: To stand means that you do not wish to be dealt anymore cards. There are two ways to express this to the dealer. Some tables will allow for a verbal request to the dealer, in which you would say ‘Stand’ of ‘Stay.’ If you are playing at a nonverbal table you wave your hand palm down over cards in a ‘no thanks’ gesture. In online blackjack you would simply click the ‘stand’ button.
Hit: To hit is to receive another card. You only do this if your total is not in danger of busting with another card; using basic strategy is the best way of deciding whether to hit or stand. If you want another card and are at a verbal table, tell the dealer ‘Hit.’ At a nonverbal table you would scratch your fingers on the table in an upside down ‘come here’ gesture. And in online blackjack you would again click on the ‘Hit’ button.
The next few playing options may not be available at all playing tables or online blackjack games, but they are necessary to know. Check to see what rules a table or online game allows before joining.
Split: Splitting means take a pair of cards with the same face value, such as two 7s, and breaking them into two separate hands. You split a pair by sliding another bet into the betting circle, and the dealer will deal you another card for each to make new hands. Keep splitting pairs for as long as the casino allows since the more hands you have will increase you chances of winning.
Double Down: For this play you would double your original bet; of course, if you win you would receive a 3:2 payout on the combined bet. Only utilize this play if you intend to only hit for one more card because once you double down and receive one more card you will have to stand regardless of what card you receive. Some casinos will allow you to double down when splitting pairs. If this option is allowed do so.
Surrender: Not everyone likes this option. It is similar to folding in poker. You would surrender if you wished to exit the round because you feel that your hand is really unfavorable. The difference is that in a surrender you will receive half of your original bet back rather than losing all of your bet. But like folding, you would be forfeiting you hand.
Insurance: In this option you are facing the dealer who has an ace showing. At that point you can place insurance on your bet. Should the dealer have a natural blackjack or ends up with 21, you would still win on your insurance bet.
Playing blackjack begins with choosing what table to play at. You will want to pick a table with a minimum bet that you are comfortable with and with rules that you like. In the case of playing online blackjack you would look for the same except that you will not be setting down at a table. Place your first bet by sliding your chips into your betting circle. Once all the players have placed their bets, the dealer will deal out the first two cards. Then he will deal himself two cards, usually one face up and one face down. At this point you make your playing decision based on the cards in your hand and the dealer’s up card. It would be wise to refer to a basic strategy chart for the best possible play. Once all plays are made the dealer will play out his hand. It is important to note that you are not playing against the other players, only the dealer. It is possible for you to win against the dealer and for another player too. Payouts are made to those who win them, and a new round will begin. If you were playing online blackjack, the round, for the most part, would be the same in that plays will be completed, then the dealer with payouts to follow.