Overview

 

Like we state in our Blackjack Strategy page, the game is as easy to learn as it is to play. This game is widely known to be the most popular game that you can beat.

 

Whether you play online or at a land casino, the game is basically the same.

 

Quite simply, the object of the game is to reach a total of 21 (or as close to it) with out going over 21.

 

The main thing about blackjack is that it is a game of skill as well as chance. If you completely understand the rules and apply them to make good decisions, you have a considerable chance to come out on top. With a bit of discipline, patience, practice and thought, you will see results. The game is more social than some other table games making it a fun one, too.

 

Blackjack has another name commonly used name, it's 21. Call it what you want, it moves a bit quicker than some games. This fact keeps people alert, too. Most tables or Internet games will seat anywhere from 5-7 players. Five being desirable. Most places you play will have very similar rules with only slight variations here and there.

 

Before you begin playing, read the rules that are written right on the table for details. Some of the common variances are the amount the house pays for a blackjack or natural, and the point total a dealer must stop taking cards. Also, the table will tell you if you can take insurance against a dealer (more on this below). Other than that you are good to go.

 

The actual seat you sit in or spot you have at the table on the Internet can be of some assistance in blackjack. If you are in the first seat (the closest to the dealer's left arm) you will be the first to receive a card. If you are in the closest seat to the r really watch/pay attention to the cards shown, it might be better to be the last one to get a card. This way, you are better enabled to make decisions based on the odds of what cards are left in the deck (based on what actual cards you see). Some players consider this strategy.

 

 

Once you have found a game that you want to get in on, pick your seat/spot, then place your bet in the section of the table in front of you. If there is a game in progress, the dealer will deal you into the next game. In some instances, you will have to wait for the next shuffle.

 

After the deck has been cut, the dealer deals all players (clockwise) two cards. It really makes no difference if  the cards are face-up or down here. At least one of the dealer's cards will be face-up for all other players to see. After the second card is dealt to all, the game begins.

 

If the dealer's card that is showing is an ace, players are typically asked if they want insurance. This is a bet that the dealer has a natural. A player can take insurance by placing a side bet of up to half of the original bet placed on the game. Without revealing the face -down card, the dealer checks to see if his/her hidden card is worth 10. If so, all insurance bets are paid 2 to 1. All original bets are taken by the dealer. This is important, even if you placed an insurance bet for the full amount allowed, you lose your original bet. You will brake even here. That is insurance.

 

If the dealer does not have a natural, the insurance money is taken away by the dealer. The game then moves on.

 

Alright, if you are lucky enough to be dealt a natural, you will want to show off immediately. Put your cards face-up to let the dealer know. Typically, naturals are paid 3 to 2. Meaning, if your wager was $10, the dealer will give your $10 back plus $15 more. 

 

Now, if the dealer also has a natural, you push (tie). This means that you don't get paid for your natural unless the dealer has an ace showing and you choose to take even money. Taking even money when you have a natural and the dealer has an ace showing is just like taking insurance. This means you brake even if the dealer has a natural.

 

Most of the time you will not have a natural and the dealer will not have a natural. The game then plays out by making educated decisions based on what the other players are showing (if you are keeping track of cards that have been played) and what the dealer is showing.