You have to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close as possible to the value twenty-one without exceeding it ( bust ) by instructing the dealer to draw cards that add up to the black table.
The basics of blackjack
Blackjack is generally played with a 6 decks of 52 card shoes in French casinos. Cards are shuffled automatically in automatic shuffling machines to avoid card counting.
The table has 7 squares, several people can play on the same one, but only the seated player makes the decisions.
Playing the game
The croupier (also called the house, or the bank), starts by excluding the first 5 cards from the play, it is said that he “burns” the cards.
Players seated around the blackjack table (up to 7 players can play simultaneously at a blackjack table) place their bets on their assigned square on the table mat.
The croupier deals an open card (visible to all) to each player and himself, starting with the player to his left, in a clockwise direction. Then he again draws a second open card for each player.
The croupier then announces to each player the total of his points on the following basis:
- from 2 to 10: each card has its face value for its value (one-two is worth two points, one three three points, etc.
- each figure is worth 10 points
- the Ace is worth 1 or 11 points, the player decides
Note: Natural blackjack is a hand made up of an ace and face on the initial deal. This is the best hand in blackjack, paid 3 for 2.
The goal is to achieve a score of 21 or a score that comes as close as possible without ever exceeding it. You now have two choices:
If you are satisfied with your game, you simply say “STAY”: the player can also indicate that he stays by placing a corner of his cards under his bet or making a horizontal gesture of the hand on the gaming table.
If you want an additional card, you say “CARD.” You can then, depending on the count of your cards, either stop or ask for new cards.
The dealer repeats this operation until he has served all players.
The croupier then draws his second card. He will have to draw from it as long as his game does not reach 17 points or more (most common rules).
Scoring
If the dealer exceeds 21, you win the equivalent of your stake (unless you also exceed 21).
If you are closer to 21 than the dealer, you win the equivalent of your bet.
If the dealer makes more than you, you lose your bet.
If you are tied with the dealer, the game is a draw, and you resume your bet.
If you make a Black Jack (the value of your hand is equal to 21), you win 1.5 times your bet, unless the dealer also makes a BlackJack.
Other possible actions in blackjack
Double the bet: If your first 2 cards total 9,10 or 11, you can choose to double your bet. But be careful, you will receive only one card.
Insurance: If the first card of the bank is an Ace, you can insure yourself against a possible Black Jack of this one. For this, you must deposit on the insurance line a bet equal to half of your initial bet. If the bank blackjack, your insurance is paid 2 to 1. Otherwise, you lose your insurance. Insurance is strongly discouraged; it mathematically benefits the house; only the ignorant take it.
Split cards: if the player’s first two cards are the same (a pair), the player can split his hand into two separate hands, betting the same amount on each of them and playing them separately. Note: the player who decides to split a pair of aces will only be allowed one additional card per hand.
