Blackjack 101: Basic Rules and Player Actions

Blackjack can be a daunting game for beginners. It’s easy enough to understand after a few rounds but the nuances in the game are engaging. Players feel a sense of enjoyment in this kind of game where they can try to push their luck, thus giving a sense of control over their opportunities.

It is a completely different experience from games where the outcome is completely random like in baccarat, roulette, and slot games. Blackjack is a game that tests players' understanding of probability and risks. The goal is to be as close to 21 as possible without going over. Here is how the game is played from start to finish.

How hands are counted

A blackjack online casino can count your hand automatically for you but it always helps to know how it works to make a proper strategy. Every card has points equal to the number written on them, also known as their rank. Faced cards such as King, Queen, and Jack, are each equal to 10 while Ace is 11. However, Ace can also be equal to 1 if the total of the hand with an Ace in it reaches beyond 21. A hand with an Ace equal to 11 is called a ‘soft hand’ then it is a ‘hard hand’ if it’s equal to 1.

How the game progresses and ends

The game starts with the dealer dealing each player and his/herself one card in clockwise order until everyone has two cards in their hand. All of the players’ cards and the dealer’s first card are facing up for everyone to see. The dealer’s second card is faced down and it will only reveal when it’s the dealer’s turn.

What to do at a table

Every player has three actions that are always available: hit, stand, and surrender. Hit means to draw a card. Each draw brings the hand closer to 21 but each instance has a risk of overshooting. If that happens, then the hand ends in a bust which means they pass the turn and miss the chance to win.

Stand if you feel like the next hit is too risky to pass the turn and wait for the dealer to draw their cards. Surrender means to take back half of your stakes at the cost of forfeiting the bet. This is the best decision if you feel like the next hit is risky but your hand’s value is too low.

Other actions are situational but a blackjack online casino interface will show you if they are available so you won’t miss them. The first is double down which can only be done at the first turn, before a hit. It means you hit once then double the ante for a higher win. It stands right after so players can’t hit anymore.

A split only occurs if the player’s starting hand is two cards of the same value. This divides the cards into two different hands with individual antes. The last option is an insurance bet that is only available if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It creates a side bet that the player wins if the down card is a 10-point card. Don’t worry too much about strategies for now. Just be wary of your hand’s total.