The Rules of Blackjack Games

In order to enjoy and be successful at blackjack games, you should familiarize yourself with their rules. The rules of blackjack games are simple to learn.

Blackjack is the most popular table game in a casino. It is simple to learn and by following the rules and strategy for the game, you can improve your odds tremendously. Blackjack games are enjoyed by professional and amateur players alike.

The Aim of Blackjack Games

Blackjack is also known as 21. The aim of blackjack games is to achieve a hand in which the cards total 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over. Blackjack is a game that is played against the dealer which makes it most important to base your moves on what cards the dealer is holding.

Values of the Cards in Blackjack Games

Each card in blackjack games has a specific numerical value. All face cards are worth a value of 10. Ace is worth 1 or 11, depending on the other cards in your hand and the cards 1 through 10 are worth their face value.

Beginning Blackjack Games

Before blackjack games start, each player must place a bet. Once all the bets are made, the dealer will deal two cards to each player, including himself. Once the dealing starts, the players may not touch their bets. Once each player has their cards, play begins. Each player, in turn, must make a choice as to how to play their hand. When one player finishes his turn, play moves on to the next player. Once all of the players have completed their hands, the dealer will complete his hand and then collect chips or pay out winnings to the players accordingly.

Player Choices in Blackjack Games

The player is faced with a number of choices in blackjack games. The most common decision that a player will have to make is whether to hit (draw another card) or to stand (stop play with his current hand). The player will continue to be faced with the decision to hit or to stand until he goes over a total of 21 (goes bust) or chooses to stand. In both of these cases, play will then move on to the next player.

An uncommon option in blackjack games is to surrender. If a player chooses to surrender his cards, he must fold his cards at the cost of half of his original bet. This decision can only be made at the beginning of the game before any other actions have been taken. Not all blackjack games will offer the option of surrender.

While the player is still holding two cards, he can choose to double down. This means that he doubles his bet and is then dealt one more card before his turn ends.

If the dealer's up-card is an Ace, he will offer insurance to the players. To place insurance, you can bet up to half of your original bet. If the dealer has blackjack (21), you will lose your original bet, but the insurance will pay out at 2:1 so that in effect, you break even.