We have all played 21 as kids and so the rules of blackjack shouldn’t be too daunting. Before you play for money you should learn the lingo and the rules to look out for.
The object of blackjack make the highest total you can without going over 21 (going bust). Simple.
Each numbered card 10 and under, has a value equal to the number on the card. All the face cards count as 10. This leaves the magic Ace which can count either as 1 or 11, depending on what helps your hand the most. A hand that is 21 is called ‘blackjack’. If you are dealt blackjack you are paid immediately (and you get to do a little dance).
There are 2 ways to win. Either you have the highest total or the dealer goes bust. You can play with other players at the table but you are only trying to beat the dealer. If the dealer gets a blackjack, the players automatically lose unless they have a blackjack too.
Each player receives 2 cards (usually face up) on the table. The dealer receives 1 card face up and 1 card face down.
The player has the following options while playing blackjack:
- Hit Taking another card
- Stand You have made your best hand
- Double Down Doubling your bet and taking one more card
- Split Splitting your pair into two separate hands
- Surrender Surrendering half of your bet and giving up your hand right then
You have the option of taking as many hits as you want as long as you don’t go over 21.
The dealer must play his hand according to the house rules. Usually the dealer must hit until he has a total of 17 or higher. If the dealer starts with a total of 17, he stands.
See simple. This seemingly easy game has driven grown man too tears with joy and despair. Try it and see how you fair.
The interview about Mike, a former MIT Blackjack team member, a bunch of geniuses counting cards in Vegas…
