Do you know how to play blackjack? Chances are, if you’ve played any casino game before, you at least have a basic understanding of the rules. Blackjack is actually one of the most popular casino games in the world, and there’s a reason why: it’s simple to learn but offers plenty of opportunity for strategy and decision-making. This post will go over some basic facts about blackjack that every player should know. So, whether you’re truly just starting out or consider yourself a seasoned pro, keep reading for some tips and insights into this classic card game.
It is one of the oldest gambling games there is
It is actually one of the oldest gambling games there is, with origins tracing back to the 17th century. The game was first mentioned in a Spanish novel called Rinconete y Cortadillo, and it is believed to have originated in France or Italy. They were played with either a deck of cards or a special “blackjack” deck that included the jacks, as well as the queens and kings of each suit. The rules have changed a little, but it’s all pretty similar.
The game is named “Blackjack” because…
The game is named “Blackjack” because if you were dealt an ace of spades and a blackjack (the jack of clubs or spades), you had 21 points-the highest hand possible. In the early days of the game, this hand was an automatic win, hence the name. Nowadays, blackjack is played with anywhere from one to eight decks of standard playing cards.
Online blackjack is more popular than ever
These days, you can find blackjack games online at almost any casino. In fact, online blackjack is more popular than ever, thanks to its convenience and the fact that it’s easy to learn how to play. With the rise of alternative payment methods like Bitcoin, this trend should continue.
You can try out different sites, but cafe casino blackjack is always strong because it is powered by good software and has loads of games. Plus, you can play online blackjack for free at some casinos before you start betting real. So why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just become the next Napoleon of blackjack!
The basic goal of blackjack
The basic goal of blackjack is always going to be to beat the dealer’s hand by having a higher point total than a dealer without going over 21. If both the player and dealer have the same point total, it is a tie or “push.” The player actually competes only against the dealer, not against other players at the table.
Face cards are worth 10 points
All face cards-kings, queens, and jacks-are worth 10 points. Aces can usually be worth either 1 point or 11 points, depending on what’s best for the hand. All other cards are actually worth their numerical value (e.g., a three of spades is worth 3 points).
The suits of the cards don’t matter
The suits of the cards don’t truly matter in blackjack; only the numerical values are important. So, for example, a three of spades and a three of hearts would be worth the same number of points.
You can “hit” or “stand.”
To signal that you want another card from the dealer, you say “hit.” To signal that you are happy with your current hand and don’t want any more cards, you say “stand.” You will usually want to hit if your point total is lower than the dealer’s and stand if your point total is higher.
You can “double down.”
If you actually think you have a good chance with your current hand, you can “double down.” This means that you actually double your bet and take only one more card. For example, if you bet $10 and then double down, you are now betting $20.
Napoleon played blackjack!
It’s true-the famous French emperor was quite the gambler and was known to play blackjack on occasion. He even wrote a book about gambling, called The Memorial of Saint Helena, in which he described blackjack and other games.
You can “split.”
If you are dealt two cards of the same value (e.g., two eights), you can “split” them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original bet. You then play each hand separately.
Blackjack usually pays 3 to 2
If you are dealt a blackjack-an ace and any 10-value card-you usually receive a payout of 3 to 2. So, if you bet $10, you would receive a $15 payout. If the dealer also has a blackjack, it is a tie, or “push,” and your original bet is returned to you.
The dealer must follow certain rules
The dealer must follow certain rules when playing blackjack. For example, the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17. These rules are different in every casino, so it’s important to ask the dealer or read the casino’s rules before you start playing.