How To Play Blackjack
In Blackjack, or 21, you are trying to draw cards that total 21, or come closer
to 21 than those held by the dealer, without exceeding that number.
To begin, the dealer deals two cards to each player. The dealer's first card
faces up, the second card faces down. All face cards (King, Queen or Jack) count as
10 each; all other cards count at face value except the Ace, which counts 1 or 11
as the player decides.
An Ace with any 10, Jack, Queen or King on the first two initial cards is
a Blackjack. The dealer will pay one-and-a-half times the bet unless the
dealer also has a Blackjack, in which case it is a push, and neither wins.
If you don't have a Blackjack, you can ask the dealer to hit your hand by using
a scratching motion with your fingers on the table. You may also elect
to double down or split if you have the proper hand. You may draw
as many cards as you like (one at a time), but if you go over 21 you bust
and lose. If you do not want a hit, you may stand by making a lateral waving motion
with your hand. After all players are satisfied with their hands, the dealer will
then turn his down card face up and stand or draw as necessary. The dealer must
hit soft 17 or less. A soft 17 is any combination containing an Ace that can
be counted as a 7 or 17. The dealer must stand on a hard 17 or any total above 17.
If, after receiving your first two cards, the dealer's up cards is an Ace, you
may purchase insurance.
Winning wagers are paid even, except for Blackjack, which is paid 3 to 2.
Our games provide more opportunities to play!
- Split any pair three times for a total of four separate hands (Aces receive
only one card)
- Split Aces (receive one card to a split)
Blackjack Terms
Blackjack: Any first two cards dealt to a hand that total 21.
Historically an Ace of spades and a Jack of spades, the Blackjack feature of the
game now includes any Ace with 10, Jack, Queen or King.
Bust or Broke: Cards add up to 22 or more.
Hit or Draw: Signify that you wish another card with scratching
motion on the table.
Splitting Pairs: An option you have with two cards of the same
value. You may split the pairs (up to four separate hands) and play each hand
individually. Aces can only be split once and only receive one card per hand. You
must wager the same amount as your original bet on each split hand.
Doubling Down: A chance to bet additional money up to the original
bet by receiving only one hit card.
Insurance: If the dealer's up card is an Ace, you may take
insurance. Here you're betting that the dealer has a 10 value in the hole. When
taking insurance, you may bet up to half of your original bet. If the dealer has a
Blackjack, your original bet loses and the insurance is paid 2 to 1. If the dealer
does not have Blackjack, he takes the insurance bet and the game continues.
Even Money: When the dealer has an Ace up, and the player has a
Blackjack. When taking even money, the player's Blackjack is paid off at 1:1.
(Asking for "even money" is a shortcut for insuring a Blackjack.)
Stand: When the player wishes to receive no more cards. Signify
this by making a lateral waving motion.
Push: When you have the same count as the dealer; a tie. Neither
hand wins.