The Rules of Blackjack

If you are not so well-versed in the rules of the game of Blackjack or 21, you have found a good resource! This article will tell you what is needed to know in order to play this fast action game that offers a good does of good old fashioned adrenaline.

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Now, to start playing Blackjack, you will have to find a table at which to play. The most important thing to take into consideration here is to find a table that suits your budget regarding the sizes of the bets. Most often, those tables in a casino that offer low limits of say $3 or $5 are often very popular and often crowded. Next, you should find the type of Blackjack that you wish to play. If you are a new player, the "shoe" games wherein 6 or 8 decks of cards are used are often best. In this game, the cards are dealt to the players face-up and the dealer will answer any questions posed. Once you get better at the game, you may wish to consider switching to a game that is played with less decks as the casino does not have such a good advantage.

Now, on to the basics of Blackjack. The game begins once players place their bets, which may be restricted by the table. The dealer makes two passes as he deals each player two cards, face up on the table. (Some Blackjack rules state that cards be dealt face down). The dealer next deals two cards to himself with one facing up and one down. The card facing down is called the Hole card. The players must now decide if they wish to Hit (take another card) or to Stand (take no more cards). One a player has gotten his first two cards, he can "hit", "stand", "double down" or "split a pair". A hand signal is used to tell the dealer what he has decided.

The cards are valued as such: The Ace cards count as either 1 or 11, depending on what is needed for the hand to hit 21 as a total or as close to possible without going over. The 2 through 9 cards are valued at their face value while the 10, Jack, Queen and King are worth 10. It should be noted that the suits are meaningless in Blackjack.

Once the bets are placed, the dealer will distribute the cards. He makes two passes around the table, starting at his left so that everyone gets two cards - including the dealer himself. He will now expose his cards to the players. If you are playing a shoe game, your cards will be dealt to you face up and you cannot touch them. In the hand held game, your cards are dealt face down and you are supposed to pick them up. Also, in the hand held game, any more cards given to you must be left on the table and not added to your hand.

Once everyone has been dealt cards, the play proceeds. You have to decide whether or not you want another card or a "hit" or if you wish to stop at the total you have or "stand". In the face-up version of play, you simply tap the table behind your cards to tell the dealer that you wish to have another card. If you go over 21 or "bust" the dealer will take your bet as well as your cards. If you decide to stand, you must wave your hand horizontally over your cards.

In the face down game play, when you want another card, you scrape your cards across the table and the dealer place the cards in front of your bet and you are to leave those cards on the table. If you go over 21 you put all of the cards in a face up position to indicate that you are out of the action. If you wish to stand, you have to put the cards in your hands face down underneath the chips that you bet.

As far as the dealer goes, he has to keep taking cards until he reaches at least 17 or busts by going over a total of 21. You will normally be paid any winnings owed to you when it is your turn. When playing the face down game, you need to show the blackjack to the dealer immediately by turning the cards face up.

Now you are ready to read the next article on hit or stand in blackjack.

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