Blackjack is fast becoming one of the hottest casino games because it's fairly simple to learn. However to get to know the game takes time and practice, But to become a master of Blackjack, requires time, practice and a good teacher,

The object of the game is to get a higher total score than the dealer. But not over 21. If you exceed 21, you "bust" and your cards are taken, and you lose your bet. Alternatively, you can take as many cards as you want as long as you do not go over 21 once you are satisfied with your hand you indicate to the dealer that you wish to hold. Once all players have drawn cards or held the dealer then drawers their cards.

The game starts with each player placing his bet in his or her box on the Blackjack table. The dealer then deals two cards to each player and one to themselves; all cards are dealt face up.

The player to the dealer's left begins the game by deciding if he wants to hit (take another card) or stand (take no more cards) and the action continues around the blackjack table anti-clockwise. The game concludes when all player have played their hands. The dealer then deals himself cards until his hand exceeds 17 then he will pay out accordingly.

BlackJack -The Dealer's Hand

The dealer's hand is scored as the highest possible score after the first cards are dealt. Any Ace in the dealer's hand is presumed to be worth 11 points. The dealer starts with one card

There is one exception to this rule, and where it exists, this is indicated on the surface of the blackjack table itself. (Only if this rule applies) If your blackjack table has "Dealer Must Hit on Soft 17" written on its surface, the dealer must get an additional card with a starting hand of Ace-6.

This puts the players at a disadvantage. Your odds of winning at blackjack improve if you only play blackjack games were the dealer has to stand dealer to stand on a soft 17 score.

The dealer must draw cards up to, and on 16

Black Jack -Winning & Losing Hands

When the dealer has finished dealing their cards, if the player has scored less than less than the dealer, they will loose, if they have scored the same as the dealer this is called a push, and their bet stays in play, If the player has scored more than the dealer but less than 21 then they win.

"Blackjack"

A "blackjack" hand is when you first two cards score a total of 21. Typically this would be made up of a ten or a picture card and an Ace.

"Natural Blackjack"

If you get a Blackjack with the first two cards, this is called a Natural BlackJack.

What if the Dealer's Up Card is an Ace?

Various rules come up once the dealer has an Ace for their up card. Almost all blackjack games offer Even Money bets and Insurance bets.

Black Jack Rules-Payouts & Types of Blackjack Bets

Aside from your initial bet, there are several types of in-game bets available when certain situations arise, each of which possesses its unique payout ratio.

Insurance Bet

Virtually all blackjack games permit you to make an Insurance bet if the dealer shows an Ace. This opportunity arises after starting cards have been dealt. Also called side bets, insurance bets are placed to safeguard players against the dealer's natural blackjack.

Insurance allows a player to place another bet of up to one-half of his first bet. If the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bets win at a rate of 2:1.

Even Money

If you receive a blackjack hand and the dealer shows an Ace as his up card, the dealer might propose that you take Even Money for your blackjack as the dealer has a very good chance of matching your hand

Splitting Pairs

If you hold a paired hand, like two eights or two six,s or two Aces, you have the choice to split your pair.

The standard convention for separating pairs in blackjack is that the value of each card be exact to each other (suits are irrelevant). Two three's form a precise match. Two Twos form an exact match. A Ten and a Jack do not form a precise match, although each card is valued at 10 points.

Four, Five and all ten can not be split in some casinos

What happens if I split pairs

When you split a pair, you must place a bet equal to your initial wager by its side of the split card. The blackjack dealer will separate your cards, forming two distinct hands, each of which now holds a unique bet and requires separate actions.

Should you get a blackjack after a Split Pair, the house will not recognize this as a natural blackjack, and your hand will, therefore, be regarded as a lower value 21 when judged against another.

Double Down

Double Down on 9, 10, or 11 is defined as duplicating your bet. You must place a bet equal to your initial bet next to your cards. The dealer will give you a single additional card for that hand; No more cards can be taken. This is a one card only option