Blackjack is a card game that is played with a deck of 52 cards. The goal of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand value that is higher than the dealer’s hand value without going over 21. In blackjack, the value of a hand is determined by the sum of the point values of the individual cards. The point values of the cards in a blackjack hand are as follows:
- Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value (e.g. a 2 of hearts is worth 2 points).
- Jacks, queens, and kings are worth 10 points each.
- Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would be more beneficial for the hand.
In blackjack, the dealer follows a set of rules to determine when to hit (take another card) and when to stand (stop taking cards). The player also has the option to hit or stand, and the player’s decision can be influenced by the dealer’s up card (the card that is facing up in the dealer’s hand).
There are many online casinos that offer blackjack games, and some of them even offer live dealer blackjack games where you can play with a real dealer via a video stream.
Before you start playing blackjack online, you should make sure that you understand the rules of the game and the specific variations that are offered by the online casino. It is also a good idea to set a budget for yourself and to stick to it, as online gambling can be addictive.
Basic Online blackjack
To start a game of online blackjack, you will need to place a bet. After the bets are placed, the dealer will deal two cards to each player and two cards to themselves, with one of the dealer’s cards being dealt face up (the “up card”) and the other being dealt face down (the “hole card”).
Each player’s turn begins with the player to the left of the dealer and continues clockwise around the table. During your turn, you will have the option to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (stick with your current hand). You can continue hitting until you decide to stand or until you go over 21 (known as “busting”), at which point you will lose the game.
After all the players have completed their turns, the dealer will reveal their hole card and hit or stand according to a set of predetermined rules. The dealer must hit if their hand value is below 17 and must stand if their hand value is 17 or higher. If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all remaining players win the game. If the dealer does not bust, then the player’s hands are compared to the dealer’s hand, and whoever has the hand value closest to 21 without going over wins the game.
There are many variations of blackjack that are offered by online casinos, and the specific rules of each game can vary. It is important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the specific blackjack game that you are playing before you start betting.
Start a game of Blackjack
Kicking off a game of blackjack, you will need to follow these steps:
- Find a blackjack table: You can find blackjack games at most online casinos, as well as at land-based casinos. You can choose to play at a virtual table or at a live dealer table, depending on the casino and your preference.
- Place your bet: Once you have found a table, you will need to place your bet. In blackjack, you are betting against the dealer, not against other players at the table. You will typically be given the option to place your bet by clicking on the table or by using chips.
- Wait for the other players: If you are playing at a live dealer table, you will need to wait for the other players to finish placing their bets before the game can begin. If you are playing at a virtual table, the game will start as soon as you have placed your bet.
- Receiving your cards: The dealer will then deal two cards to each player, including themselves. One of the dealer’s cards will be dealt face up (the “up card”) and the other will be dealt face down (the “hole card”).
- Playing your hand: Once you have received your cards, it is your turn to play. You will have the option to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (stick with your current hand). You can continue hitting until you decide to stand or until you go over 21 (known as “busting”), at which point you will lose the game.
- The dealer’s turn: After all the players have completed their turns, the dealer will reveal their hole card and hit or stand according to a set of predetermined rules. The dealer must hit if their hand value is below 17 and must stand if their hand value is 17 or higher.
- Determining the winner: If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all remaining players win the game. If the dealer does not bust, then the player’s hands are compared to the dealer’s hand, and whoever has the hand value closest to 21 without going over wins the game.
Remember, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the blackjack game that you are playing before you start betting.
