Played with one, two, four, six or eight decks of cards, the game of blackjack is sometimes called twenty-one by some players. The dealer holds the cards and deals them out in a single and double deck games. Cards are dealt out of a shoe (actually a tray-like box) in multi-deck games.
Objective
Beating the dealer is the game’s objective. You win if your cards total is not over 21 yet higher than the dealer’s cards.
Card Values
Regardless of their suit, cards 2-10 are counted at face value. The value of all face cards is 10 while an ace’s value can either be 1 or 11. A hard hand has only one value and it does not have an ace while a soft hand contains an ace therefore can have changeable values.
Blackjack Table
The special table where blackjack is dealt has a semi-circular shape. For each player, there is a separate circle or square where he places his bet. The play only begins after all bets are made.
Blackjack
A blackjack rat happens when you or the dealer is dealt a ten-value card and an ace making the value 21. This instance is referred to as a natural. You will be paid 3 to 2 for your bet if you get the blackjack but only if the dealer does not get a blackjack too. It is called a push when both you and the dealer get a blackjack. However, all the players will lose if only the dealer has a blackjack.
Hitting
When you want to draw another card, it means you want to take a hit. You can make a gesture with your hand or you can tap the table in front of you to signal the dealer for a hit.
Standing
You can wave your hand over the top of your cards to signal the dealer that you wish to stand once you are satisfied either after hitting or with your first two cards.
Doubling Down
To double the amount of his original bet, a player may choose to increase his stake and will only receive one more card. The player loses if the additional card brings the total value to more than 21. The round is over for that player and the wager together with the increase will be immediately collected by the dealer. If not, the dealer moves on to the next player and the player who decided to double be forced to stand. The player cannot retrieve the additional wager afterward or take more hits because doubling is an irrevocable decision.
Splitting
A player may choose to split into two independent and separate hands if he happens to get two matching cards. The cards are then moved apart and an additional wager typically equal to the original bet is placed.
Insurance
The dealer will offer insurance if the dealer’s up card is an ace. It is only a side bet that the dealer has a ten in the hole and half of your original bet is wagered.
Surrender
After the dealer checks for a black jack, you are allowed by some casinos to give up half of your bet on your first two cards and surrender your hand. The term used for this is late surrender and is not offered as an option in most casinos. When played correctly, this will prove to be an advantage to players.