You have heard that the first to have a total sum of 21 will be the winner in blackjack, but have you heard that there are several other ways to win the game without waiting to have a 21? In truth, all you need do is beat the dealer any way you can, be it drawing a value higher than the dealer or hoping they have a value higher than 21 and get busted.
Blackjack is very easy to learn, even as a beginner with no prior knowledge. That in itself has added to its popularity in the casinos and online. You don’t need to be a math whiz to become a pro at playing the game. We have got you covered on all you need to know to play blackjack and become experienced in the art of beating dealers, starting with the basics.
Place Your Wager
The first thing you need to do after getting the site you want to play is to exchange your money for chips. On getting your chips, you will decide on the amount you want to use to start your bet depending on the minimum and maximum table limit. Each blackjack betting table will have several betting spots. Some may be active, while others are inactive. Once all the active players have placed their wager, the game is set to start.
Dealing The Cards
The dealer is the one to do this. He gives each player a card to start with. These cards would be dealt face up for all to see while the other one would be concealed. After each of the players has received their cards, the play will proceed in a clockwise manner around the table. Depending on the card you are dealt, your cards can have different values. If you are dealt an ace and a 7-value card, your value can either be 8 or 18. Note that an ace can be valued as 1 or 11.
To Hit or To Stand?
This is the stage where you make your move. Do you proceed or take a step back? In a clockwise manner, the dealer will turn to each player to ask how they want to play. You can choose to hit or stand. If you choose to stand, you are passing on the chance to get more cards. If you hit, you will be dealt another card.
If you are aiming to have a hand value of 21, then you should hope to be dealt a Jack, Queen, or King and an Ace. The first three would give you an individual value of 10, while the Ace would give you a 1 or 11. Together, you have a 21-blackjack. For you to win the wager, the dealer must not have blackjack also.
Doubling Down, Splitting, Surrendering
Apart from hitting or standing, you can choose to multiply your stake and then get another card, or you split. Splitting is done by putting extra chips worth your first stake down when you have two cards of the same value. You then proceed to play two hands after being dealt another card for each hand.
In the end, if you don’t feel like continuing the game for whatever reason, you can choose to surrender. The penalty for this is losing half your stake. Though a crazy choice, it sure saves many.