Blackjack, known to some as simply “twenty-one,” is one of the most popular card games in casinos nationwide. Why? The rules are simple and easy to understand and the gameplay is exciting! The best thing about blackjack? The casino odds are always less, which means the player has a better chance of taking home the pot!
Since Blackjack is so popular, you’re bound to encounter a game once in a while. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of Blackjack basics to get you started!
The Objective: The general goal of playing Blackjack is fairly simple. As the player, you want to acquire a hand that is closest in value to a total score of 21, which is the established hand of the dealer. However, you don’t want your hand’s value to exceed 21, or you’re out! Blackjack is unique in that you are actually playing to beat the dealer, rather than the other players at the table.
The Cards: The values of cards in Blackjack are broken down as follows:
In Blackjack, the suits of the cards hold no value, so a 5 of hearts and a 5 of clubs are both valued at 5 points each.
The Deal: After all players have placed their bets the dealer will deal two cards to each player and himself, making two passes over the table from left to right. The dealer then flips his first card so that the players can see. There are two variations of Blackjack, one where cards remain face up and untouched for all, and one where players can hold their cards or keep them face down. Remember that when handling cards it is proper etiquette to use only one hand and keep the cards over the table!
The Play: The dealer is required to flip his second card and reveal his starting hand to the players. As a player, you are able to choose whether to hit or stay on your turn, where the dealer must continue to draw cards on his turn until he reaches a hand value of 17.
The Win: If at any time the dealer or a player hits, causing their total value to exceed 21 they bust, which is an automatic loss. If the dealer busts then every player wins and collects. If no one busts and all have chosen to stay, the winner is decided based on who is closest to 21. So, what about a tie? In Blackjack, a tie is called a “push.” If a player and the dealer tie, the bet is a draw and no one either wins or loses. Chips bet can be left in play for the next round, or removed at the player’s discretion.
Blackjack was made popular during World War I, but it’s origins date back to the 1760s in France. A product of two existing famous French games called “chemin de fer” and ”French femme,” the Blackjack first referred to as Vingt-et-Un, which is French for 21. Today, Blackjack has become so widely played that you can bet that you’ll find it in every American gambling casino you visit.
Now that you’re a Blackjack pro, why not book a Blackjack table for your next gathering? Casinos by M&M offers Blackjack, and a wide assortment of other casinos games that come equipped with professional dealers! Visit our website or dial 1-800-358-9467. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
