With a combination of random chance and player decision-making, Blackjack stands out as a classic among casino games. It’s been around for centuries and is available in online forms and at tables in land-based casinos.
Understanding the fundamentals of the game, how play proceeds, and some key terms used is essential for any player looking for a game of online Blackjack.
The Fundamentals of Blackjack
So, let’s start with an explanation of the most basic elements of Blackjack. The game aims to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s. But if the hand goes over 21 in value, the player goes bust, ending the game for them.
Each card in the deck is worth a set value from two to ten, except for Aces. These act as wildcards, being valued at either one or 11 depending on which value is better for the surrounding hand.
After the initial deal – where each player receives two cards and the dealer – play proceeds around the table, with every player completing their turn before play returns to the dealer.
The basic rules of Blackjack
On their turn, players have a few distinct options to choose from. What they choose to do will depend on a mixture of factors, including their initial hand value and the value of the dealer’s single visible card (known as the upcard).
The player’s potential turn actions are:
- Hit – requesting an additional card to increase their hand value
- Stand – keeping their hand at its current value and ending their turn
- Split – splitting their hand into two separate hands, to be played individually. This is only permitted when the two initial cards have the same value.
- Double down – doubling their initial wager in exchange for just one more card.
- Surrender – forfeiting half of their wager in exchange for withdrawing their hand. This option isn’t allowed in all Blackjack variations.
Once each player has stood or gone bust, the play switches to the dealer. This is where they will reveal their second card, establishing the value of their initial hand.
If the dealer’s hand is worth less than 17, they are obligated to draw until they reach that total, meaning the dealer could also go bust. In the case of a bust dealer, all remaining hands receive a payout.
Otherwise, the dealer’s final hand value will be compared against each player’s. If their hand values tie, this is known as a push, and the player’s wager will be returned.
What to Expect in Online Blackjack
Online Blackjack games are pretty much the same as land-based games, with the major difference being that the software takes on the role of the dealer. Rather than shuffling physical cards, the random number generator (RNG) will randomly generate each card dealt in turn.
In effect, the deck is reshuffled after every card dealt in an online Blackjack game. This ensures that all players have the same odds and that the game is completely fair.
Of course, there’s plenty more that we could say about the ins and outs of Blackjack. But now you should be equipped with the basics to understand this classic casino card game.
