Blackjack
In Blackjack, the object of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand that totals 21 (without going over) or is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand. The game is played using 6 decks of cards. Aces can be used as either 1 or 11. Any hand that includes an ace has two values... a soft value and a hard value. i.e. if the hand is an ace-8, the hard value is 9, the soft value is 19. The King, Queen, Jack and Ten are 10 points each. All other cards are worth their face values. If the player's first two cards are an ace with a 10 it's a natural Blackjack. Blackjack is the highest hand. Once a player has placed his/her bet, both the player and the dealer are dealt two cards each face up. If the player doesn't have a Blackjack, he/she may "Stand" (refuse any further cards), or "Hit" (accept another card). A player who stands will not receive additional cards. Cards are dealt until the player stands or "busts" (exceeds 21). If the player busts, he/she immediately loses the bet regardless of the dealer's hand result.
Player's Options
The Dealer has none of the following options.
Splitting
When a player is dealt two cards with equal values, they have the option of "splitting" them into two separate hands. In order to "split", the initial bet has to be matched. Each hand is then played separately. If the player splits two Aces, only one more card is dealt to each hand. A two card 21 total on a split is not a natural blackjack. If the hand does not push it will pay even money.
Doubling Down
A player may double down on their first two cards. When a player doubles, only one more card is dealt and the original bet has to be matched. Essentially, the player bets the hand can be won with one more card. You can also "double down" after "splitting" a pair.
Even Money
If the player (you) has a Blackjack and the dealer's card is an Ace, the player is offered 'even money'. Taking even money means the player will be paid 1 to 1 on the Blackjack and not 3 to 2 as normal. If the player chooses not to take even money and the dealer hits a Blackjack, both hands tie. If no even money is taken and the dealer has no Blackjack, the player is paid at 3 to 2.
The Dealer's Cards
If the dealer's hand is 16 or less, the dealer must continue to "hit" until reaching 17 or more. The dealer must draw on soft 17. If the dealer exceeds 21 ("bust"), and the player has stood without busting, the player wins. When the dealer stands on 17 or greater and has a higher count than the player, the dealer wins.If the player has the higher count, the player wins.If the player and the dealer have the same totals, it's a "push" (tie).
Payouts
Winning Wager |
Odds Payout |
|
| Winning Hand | 1 - 1 | |
| Blackjack | 3 - 2 | |
| Even Money | 1 - 1 |
