Is there a casino game more classic than Blackjack? This card game has been played in casinos for centuries, drawing in players with its simple gameplay loop and straightforward rules.
But not everyone who understands the basic premise of the game knows the ins and outs of Blackjack’s rules. They’re especially important to have a handle on for players considering Blackjack gambling who want to improve their potential odds.
So, read on if you’re looking to find out everything you need to know about the rules of Blackjack before you join a table.
The Blackjack basics:
Before we get into the finer details, it’s good to go over the basics of Blackjack first. It’s a game that’s easy to grasp, as the player’s only goal is to get a hand closer in value to 21 than the dealers’ – without going any higher.
The major crux of Blackjack is the variable value of its Aces. These can be valued at either one or 11, depending on the value of the surrounding hand. This allows for a greater degree of variability and flexibility within the game.
The player’s turn:
Once each player is dealt their initial two cards play begins, with each player at the table taking all their actions before play proceeds to the next. There are five actions available to the player once their turn begins:
· Hit – taking another card to raise their hand value. This is the one action that players can repeat as many times as they like, until they either go bust or end their turn.
· Stand – leaving their hand at its current value and ending their turn.
· Split – if their two initial cards were of equal value, they can choose to split them into two independent hands. They also have to put a wager equal to their first on their new hand.
· Double down – doubling their initial wager in exchange for just one extra card. This is a tactical option that strongly depends on the initial hand composition.
· Surrender – forfeiting half of their wager to end their turn and withdraw from the game. But not all Blackjack varieties permit this action, so check the rules first.
The dealer’s turn:
When every player has completed their turn, play goes back to the dealer. This is where the dealer will either reveal their face-down card or draw a second card – depending on the variety of Blackjack being played.
If the dealer’s hand is worth less than 17 then they are required to hit until they reach at least that number. It varies from game to game whether a soft 17 counts or not. But if their hand value hits more than 21 then they go bust, resulting in a payout for all players still in the game.
In cases where the dealer doesn’t go bust, they compare their hand value against each player in turn. If the player’s hand value is higher, they receive a payout. When the hands are the same value, this is called a push, and the player’s bet is simply returned to them.
Notable rules variations:
Not all games of Blackjack feature the exact same rules, even when most of their gameplay is the same. A few common rules variations to watch out for include:
· Double down restrictions – where players are only permitted to double down on certain hand compositions, rather than any initial hand they feel confident in.
· Re-splitting – where players may be permitted to split a hand again after an initial split for certain pairs.
· Early surrender – where players can forfeit their hand before the dealer checks their face-down card.
There are plenty of variants of Blackjack to choose from online, so make sure that you understand what ruleset and features you’re playing with before you start a game.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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