Learn to Play Black Jack

Each casino may have varying table rules for black jack. In some cases the rules are more favorable for the player and other casinos may be more favorable to the casino. The odds depend on these rules and which ones the casino is using so it would be a good idea finding out which local casinos in your area have games which are more favorable for the players. Below you will learn the player’s options and the dealer’s options so you can learn more about black jack strategy and improve your play in the aim to win more money.

Scoring

Here you will learn how to score your cards, with the objective of beating the dealer without going over 21 points. Card suits mean nothing in blackjack. Cards with a picture count as 10 points with the exception of the ace, which can count as either a 1 or 11. The total score any hand is the sum of all your cards.

For example, having a 2, 4 and 10 is a total score of 16. Having a king and a 5 is a total of 15. Aces count 11 unless the total points exceed 21 and then the ace counts for 1 point. If you have an ace and a 5 you will have 16 points, if you then receive an 8 the total would be 24, which is a bust, so the ace reverts to 1 point and you have 15 points. Obviously you need to know how to count before you play.

Win/Lose

If your hand is over 21 you lose, if your hand is greater than the dealer then you win and are paid 1 to 1 odds, if the player and dealer have the same total then it is a tie (push) and you get your money back, lastly if the dealer is closer to 21 then you lose.

Your Options

Hit - A "hit" means you want the dealer to give you another card. You can continue to hit until you bust (your points total over 21).

Standing - This means you do not want any more cards and want to keep the hand you have. Once you stand you can no longer hit.

Pair Splitting - Splitting is useful but if done right will occur rarely. Here is how it works. If you have two identical cards (such as two 3's or two face cards), you can choose to split the cards. When splitting you must double your bet exactly. Your cards are then split apart and you are now playing two hands.

Doubling Down - In this case you are able to double your bet (typically you cannot change your bet after the cards are dealt) in return for receiving one and only one new card. In most casinos you can only double down after you receive your first two cards and before drawing another card. To signal the blackjack dealer that you want to double down just place your chip next to the original chip bet on the hand (shoe games) or toss your cards on the table face-up in hand held games and then make the second bet. Knowing when to double down is a great thing to learn in blackjack.

Insurance - If the dealer is showing an ace then the blackjack dealer will ask if you want insurance. This is a side bet where you are betting that the dealer has black jack. An insurance bet can be equal to one half of your original bet. You win the insurance bet if the blackjack dealer has black jack, which pays at 2 to 1 odds.

Dealers Move - The rules for dealer’s is that they must draw another card when the dealer's hand totals less than 17. Dealers must also stand when the total is either 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21. Always remember that when you play blackjack it is you against the dealer. Not only is it important to know your own hand, but you also need to pay attention to the dealer’s card that is facing up to help you decide how to play your own hand.