Casinos Play Blackjack
Before any cards are dealt, the player must wager. He does this by placing his bet in the designated space in front of his table position. The dealer then deals two cards to each of the players, and two to himself (one of the dealer's cards is dealt face up and one is dealt facing down) 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. BLACKJACK - If the player's first two cards are an ace and a 10 or face card, he wins. If the total of your hand is over 21, you'll bust and lose your bet. HIT or STAND - Hit means to draw another card (which the player signifies by scraping the table with his cards or a similar hand motion) 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. Tables and online casinos will have a minimum bet required to play the game. Double Down - Your bet is doubled and you draw only one more card. If you have been dealt two cards and think that a third card may give you a chance to beat the dealer's hand, you can double down. INSURANCE - If the dealer's up card is an ace, the player may take insurance, a bet not exceeding one-half his original bet. If the dealer's down card is a 10 or any face card, the player wins 2 to 1. When you split two aces and one of your hands totals 21, this is not blackjack, it's 21. Jacks, Queens and Kings always have a value of 10. Insurance is not recommended and is considered a separate game/bet of its own. Once all players have decided to "Stand," the dealer reveals the face down card known as the "Hole" card. If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance pays 2:1, matching the amount of your original bet. If you have purchased insurance and the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you'll lose your insurance 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.