Blackjack rules
Blackjack is played at a semicircular table. The game is often
dealt from 1 to 8 standard 52 decks of cards; infinite decks also
exist in the form of robots mixing the cards all the time. Each
card of rank 2-10 is worth its face value in points. All face cards
are worth 10 points and the ace is worth 1 or 11 points whichever
is best for that hand.
Card point values:
Ace = 1 or 11 points
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 = Face value in points
10, J, Q, K = 10 points
The best hand you can get is a total of 21 points on the first
2 cards. This can be achieved only by being dealt an ace and a 10(10,
jack, queen or king) on the first two cards, this is called a blackjack
or natural, a winning blackjack pays 3:2. If both player and dealer
have a blackjack the bet is a push. All other winning hands pay
1:1. The player wins if his hand has more points than the dealer,
without exceeding 21 points. If either the player or dealer goes
over 21 it is called a break or bust and that hand automatically
loses. If both the player and dealer bust the player loses. If player
and dealer tie the hand is a push.
Playing the game
To begin the game each player makes a wager in the betting circle
in front of him. The dealer gives each player and himself a card
face up, he then deals every player a second card face up, and his
own second card face down. If the dealer upcard is an ace, insurance
is offered.
Insurance is a side bet and all players may bet an additional half
of their original bets on insurance. If the dealer has a blackjack
the insurance bet wins 2:1 but you lose the original bet so it is
more like a push. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack the insurance
bet is lost and the game continues. If dealer has ten upcard he
will also check for a blackjack.
After it has been established that the dealer does not have a blackjack
the player in turn may play their hands. The following options are
available.
Stand: Whenever the player is satisfied with his hand he
may stand. And the turn goes over to the next player.
Hit: If the player wishes to take another card he may continue
to do so until he either stands or busts.
Double Down: In most casinos the player may double down
on the first two cards. This means doubling you bet and only receive
on additional card, after getting the card it is an automatic stand
for the hand. Sometimes you may double down on the first two cards
after splitting. Often you may only double down on 9, 10 or 11 totals
for the first two cards.
Split: You may split the first two cards if they are of
equal point value, thus getting two hands. This will require making
another wager of the same amount as the original hand. Sometimes
you may resplit up to 2 or 3 times if another splitting opportunity
arises. Double down after splitting is sometimes offered.
Surrender (very rare rule): If you surrender you forfeit
half the bet and the hand is discarded. This option is generally
only offered after the dealer checks for blackjack, known as "late
surrender."
After all players have finished playing their hands, it is the
dealers turn. The dealer must hit until either reaching a total
of 17 to 21 or busting. If he busts all the players that did not
bust wins. If dealer does not bust all player hand totals are compared
to the dealer hand total. If players hand total is greater than
dealer player wins. If dealers total is higher the dealer wins.
If totals are equal the hand is a push.
Whenever the ace is counted as 11 instead of 1; this is called
a soft hand. On the canvas of the Blackjack table it usually says
"stand on all 17" that means the dealer stands on soft
17 as well. Sometimes it does not say "stand on all 17"
on the canvas then the dealer will hit soft 17.
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