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Blackjack is usually played using 8 regular card decks, although it can also be played with just one card deck. Cards 2 through 10 are the face value cards. This means that the deuces points for these face value cards is equal to 2 points and the tens is equivalent to 10 points. The ace in blackjack is treated a little different. It can either be assigned the value of one or eleven, depending on the hand the player wants to make.
On the other hand, the jacks, queens and kings are assigned 10 points each. The objective in blackjack is to obtain a natural 21 or try to get as close as possible to 21 without going bust. A player or the dealer can go bust and lose the game if they go over 21. In blackjack, just like in any other card games, the house generally has a clear edge over you and the only other outcome in blackjack is a tie. In the event that a hand ends with a tie, players move on and they retain their bet.
Starting a Blackjack Game
You start a game of blackjack by having each player place their respective wager. This is known as the ante bet. The dealer will then distribute two cards to each of the players, moving in a counterclockwise direction. This means that the player on the left receives one card, followed by the next player until all players receive their first card. The cycle is completed when the dealer gets his second card and gives what is known as an up card for the first round. The second card is the hole card and this is the card that is dealt with the face side down.
It is at this point of the game where a player decides whether to stay or not. In cases where the dealer is holding an ace or a ten for the up cards, then he could possibly have a blackjack. If the rules of the game allow it, then a player should surrender in order to cut his losses. You will lose your wager in the event that the dealer has a blackjack. On the other hand, if there is a tie between you and the dealer, then you get to keep your bet and you will end up with no winnings.
As discussed earlier, if a dealer gets an ace for the up card, then you have to option to get insurance. Under this setup, you are allowed a payout of 2:1 in the event the dealer gets a blackjack. On the other hand, the player loses a hand if a dealer doesn’t get the blackjack. In case the dealer presents a blackjack, then the money is dispersed. The dealer checks the card when additional bets are placed. In case a blackjack is obtained, payout becomes the consequence.
Options in Blackjack
Stand – This is the condition where a player gets a hand that they don’t want to add to. The player may declare a stand and wave away the dealer. In a single deck, you can put your bet on top of your cards.
Hit – When a player decides to take a hit, this means that he is asking to receive a card from the dealer.
Double – The dealer may go for double down if he goes for another card and is certain he has a strong chance of winning the hand. You can go for double down only for the first pair of cards, although you can also call a double down following a split.
Split – A player calls for a split when he has a pair of cards in his hand. The player may get a pair of 3s or a pair of 9s. You can actually go for the play of a pair of hands when you place a second ante wager for your additional hand. The first hand is played when a player calls for a hit without going bust. Then you move on with the play on the second hand. You stand to win on either hand. This means that even if you lose your wager in one hand, you can still make off with the second hand as long as it is a winning hand over the dealer.
Surrender – This is the option where the player gets the opportunity to look at his first pair of cards so that he can decide whether to proceed with the play or opt to lose half of his wager. The surrender option is normally available when the dealer shows an ace as up card. A player may also go for the late surrender option in selected casinos, and this can be an advantage to a player if the dealer does not get a blackjack.
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