Casino Blackjack Strategy
Standard 52-card deck. Face cards (kings, queens and jacks) count as 10, ace counts as one or 11 (as the player chooses) and all other cards are counted at their face value. Players and Personnel One dealer - Handles all of the cards and chip exchanges. If the total of your hand is over 21, you'll bust and lose your bet. If you have the same card total as the dealer, from 17 and up, you get your bet back in a push as neither have won. Blackjack beats a count of 21. The dealer must draw cards until they have at least 17 and must stand at 17 or higher. Hit - If you are not pleased with the total of your first two cards, you can draw additional card(s) until you stand or bust. Players place their bets prior to the cards being dealt. Stand - If you are pleased with your first two cards, you would then stand and not draw anymore cards. Aces receive only one additional card. Split - If your first two cards are of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands by placing a second bet of equal value and drawing cards as usual. If the dealer's down card is a 10 or any face card, the player wins 2 to 1. Card between 2 and 10 simply have their face value regardless of suit. Note that at some online casinos, you cannot split a split hand. An Ace can count as 1 or 11 depending on what is most beneficial to your hand. When you think that the dealer has blackjack, it gives you a chance to guard your bet. If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance pays 2:1, matching the amount of your original bet. When surrender is available, if you are not pleased with the cards you were dealt, you may give them up and lose half of your bet.