Blackjack is a very popular game in many casinos, whether online or in house. It was originally called 21 due to the aim of the game which is to get the highest number of 21. In order to win you must get the highest number, 21, before the dealer. If the dealer gets to 21 before you then you lose. If you get more than 21 then you also lose, or ‘busting’ it. The game used the standard 52-card deck.
Blackjack is a game of strategy but there is also an ounce of luck thrown in there. This is because in order to have a good strategy going, you must first be lucky enough to get some good cards! You can try your luck, or strategy, on Admiral Casino which is reviewed here.
The strategy required in this game is so that you know enough to hit, split, stand or double-down. First, let us understand what these terms mean.
Hit – this is when you ask the dealer to give you another card. You can hit as many times as you want but remember, the aim is not to exceed 21 so there must be strategy in when you call a hit.
Split – if your first cards are a pair, you can split them into two hands.
Stand – if you are happy with your cards and want to keep them, then you stand.
Double-down – this allows players to double their bet after receiving their first 2 cards.
The game begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Each player gets 2 cards and then the dealer has 2 cards with 1 face up and 1 face down. Depending on the game, the players’ cards will either be dealt facing up or facing down.
The cards are valued as follows:
Ace – either 1 or 11 points
Face cards – 10 points
Number cards – as shown on the card
As you go around the table, the aim for you is to assess your strategy to better your chances of getting close to 21, or higher than the dealer. If you get more than 21, then you immediately bust and lose your bet. If the dealer gets more than 21 then everyone who has not busted wins their bets back. In order to better your chances at winning, make sure you understand the rules of the game before you start.
