Blackjack Rules Blackjack rules can vary from casino to casino. We have assembling these more commonly followed blackjack rules. Always be sure you know the rules of any blackjack game you sit down to play. The goal of blackjack is to get a higher hand than the dealer but not more than 21. Face cards are worth ten and aces are worth 1 or 11, which ever benefits the hand the most. All other cards are worth their face value. The dealer deals each player two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is hidden until the end of the round. If cards are dealt face up it's called a London Deal game. When the cards are dealt face down, it's called a Nevada Deal game. There are some obvious benefits to a London deal game, in which players can see all the cards that have been played and discarded and play accordingly. In the shoe games, the players cards will be dealt face-up, and the players are not allowed to touch the cards. If you're just beginning, you'll probably want to start at the shoe game where you don't have to worry about handling the cards. In the hand-held games, the player's cards are dealt face down, and the players pick up the cards. When handling the cards in a hand-held game, here are a few important things to remember: - You are only allowed to touch the cards with one hand. If you're a poker player, this can take some effort to break old habits! - You must keep the cards over the table. - Any cards that the dealer subsequently deals to your hand must be left on the table, not added to the cards in your hand. You may hit and ask for another card or stand and keep the cards you have and end your turn. The dealer will hit until their cards are 17 or higher. If you have more than 21 you lose or bust and the dealer wins regardless of their hand. If your first two cards are an ace and ten you have blackjack. Depending on the casino, a blackjack pays 3 to 2. If you tie with the dealer it's called a push and all bets are returned. If the dealer gets blackjack then everyone at the table loses. You may double down and double your bet but you only receive one additional card. If you have a pair you may split them and play each as two individual hands. Splitting also doubles the bet – each hand is worth double the bet. You can only double or split on the first move. You can’t play two aces after they are split. You can double on a hand resulting from a split. Insurance – If the dealer had an ace showing players may have the option to place and “insurance bet”. This is a bet on whether the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer has blackjack, the player is paid 2 to 1. It is generally agreed that this is not a good bet to make. Some casinos follow a rule called “Five Card Charlie”. If a player receives five cards without going over 21 then the player wins and is paid 2 to 1. Some blackjack games will permit a player to “surrender”. That is, after receiving their first two cards, they may withdrawal from the round and forfeit have of their bet. Now that you have a handle on the blackjack rules, you should be sure to check out our Blackjack Strategies section to find out how use these rules to your advantage.

2012 © Copyright Free-Blackjack.ca.