Lesson 1 - How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is by far the most popular game in any casino because it is fun, easy to play and has only a very small edge in the House's favor when played correctly. Over the 4 Lessons, we will introduce you to some of the same strategies the pros use to maximize your profits at the Blackjack Table.

The Game

In Blackjack, also known as Twenty-One, a player plays his or her hand only against the dealer's hand and the object of the game is to get your hand to total 21 without going over. Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, Jacks, Queens and Kings are known as face cards and are worth 10. Aces may be valued as 1 or 11. A hand that counts an ace as 11 is known as a soft hand. If neither the player nor the dealer has 21 then the hand closest to 21 without going over, or busting, wins. If your hand matches the dealer's hand, your hand will be a push and you'll get your money back. A natural 21 is known as Blackjack and is obtained by getting any face card in combination with an Ace. The Blackjack beats any other 21 and pays 3/2.

Getting Started

To start both you and the dealer will be dealt 2 cards although one of the dealer's cards will be face down. This is known as the dealer's hole card. At this point you will be presented with some or all of the following options.

Blackjack Options

Hit
: You're asking the dealer to give you another card. You may hit as many times as you like without going over 21.
Stand
: You're satisfied with your cards and you want to stay with what you've got.
Double Down: You want to double your bet for a one-card hit. After you've received this card, you may not hit again.
Split
: This allows you to divide a pair of like cards into two different hands. Depending upon which table you're on, you may re-split should you receive another like card. Also, on some tables you may double down after receiving a second card to your split hands. Generally, split Aces automatically receive only a second card and no further options will be presented.
Surrender
: You want to forfeit your hand because you feel that the dealer will beat you (e.g. you've got 15 and the dealer is showing an Ace or a 10). By surrendering, you only lose half your bet. You must surrender when holding two cards. After a hit, this option will not be available.
Insurance: You want to insure your hand against the possibility of losing if the dealer gets a Blackjack. In order to buy insurance, you must pay an additional 50% of your bet and the dealer must show an Ace. Should the dealer get Blackjack, you'll lose your bet but your insurance will pay 2 to 1. Therefore, you'll get your money back.
Payouts: - Any winning hand pays 1 to 1
- Blackjack pays 3 to 2
- Insurance pays 2 to 1

Next --> Lesson 2 - Blackjack Strategy Card