Online Blackjack game rules

Have you been visiting land-based casinos for a while now? You probably have seen people crowding at the blackjack table. If you want to try this game, you don't have to wait for your turn to play since there is an option of playing blackjack online.

This is a popular card game that gives you the upper hand since it comes with favorable odds. For you to perfect your skills in it, you have to get familiar with all the blackjack game rules. They form the basic foundation of this game. We will help you out by discussing the game rules for you. Before that, check out the brief history of this game.

A brief history of blackjack

Even though the exact origin of this game is unknown, some people claim that the game came from Ancient Rome. The Romans used to play a game that resembled blackjack using some wooden blocks that represented different numerical values. Some contradict this theory since they believe that blackjack originated from Italy. The Italians are believed to be the first to be invented the famous "31" game. This game, however, had different rules from the "21" game that was invented in Spain back in the 16th century.

Despite differing opinions, blackjack is a game that has evolved over the years. We now have so many versions of the game that are played in different countries. The increased features of blackjack make it a more interesting game each day. Though the game keeps on getting better with time, most of the blackjack game rules remain the same.

Check out the basic blackjack game rules

One of the reasons why numerous punters choose this game over the rest is its simplicity. Blackjack is a game that appeals to lots of card lovers. The objective of this game is to beat the dealer by getting a hand that is close to 21 but not exceeding it.

If you obtain a hand that exceeds the value of 21, you bust and lose the round. This rule not only applies to the players but also the dealer. Learning the blackjack game rules and putting them into practice can help you win a considerable amount from this game. Since blackjack is also a skill-based game, it is fun to play and can boost your thinking capacity.

In most cases, blackjack is played with 6 to 8 card decks, which comprise of 52 cards. Only a few variations of the game make use of 48 cards and a single deck. Since blackjack is a game of variations, you must analyze each of them to determine which one fits your playing style more.

At the beginning of this casino game, you have to start by making your bet. The dealer then gives you two cards that face up. He also sets aside two cards for himself. One of the dealer's card faces up while the other down. Once you receive your cards and evaluate the dealer's card, you then have to decide whether it is wise to hit or stand.

Every move that you make in this game determines how close or far you are to beating the dealer. The payout that you get depends on the bet that you made. If at the end of the game, you get cards that are close to 21 than the dealer's hand, your winning hand should be paid 1 to 1. Some players are lucky such that they receive a blackjack with the initial cards they receive. In this case, your winning hand will be paid 3 to 2. If you, however, get a hand value similar to the results of the dealer, your bet is returned.

Understanding card values and terminologies

For you to comprehend blackjack game rules, you have to get familiar with the card values. These are quite straightforward, even for a beginner. In blackjack, the number written in some of the cards represent the respective values of the cards.

Apart from number cards, blackjack also consists of other cards such as the queen, king, or jack. These are worth 10.  Aces, on the other hand, are worth 11 or 1. Before you start playing blackjack, you should also learn what different terminologies in this game stand for. Some of the standard terms in blackjack are discussed as follows:

• Hit

This refers to asking for another card after you receive the first two cards. If, for instance, the cards that you initially receive are very far from 21, you should hit. When playing blackjack online, you have to ask the dealer to hit by clicking on the button.

• Stand

If you don't want any more cards after receiving the first two at the start of the game, you stand. You should only do this if you strongly believe that your hand is going to help you beat the dealer. According to blackjack game rules, if your combination of cards is 17 or anything higher than that, you should stand.

• Double down

You can also double down once you obtain your initial cards. This option involves increasing your bet and getting one more card. If you manage to win a hand once you have double down, you will be paid out 1 to 1.

• Splitting pairs

Sometimes, you may receive pairs at the beginning of the game. Pairs include two cards of the same value, such as getting two nines. In this case, you should split them into separate hands then place an extra bet. Based on blackjack game rules, splitting pairs is only allowed twice. Once you split pairs, you can play each hand in the same way you play a single hand.

• Insurance

If the face-up card for the dealer is an ace, you have the option of placing an insurance bet. In this case, you have to place an extra bet, which is equal to half of the bet you had initially made. Though taking insurance is an option, it is not always advisable.

Conclusion

Apart from your options, some of the blackjack game rules also apply to the dealer. For instance, he has to hit on soft 17. Understanding the rules that apply to the dealer can give you an upper hand as you play blackjack online. Use them for you to make an accurate prediction of his face down card.