The basic concept of Blackjack is very easy to understand since players want to use their cards to get as close to the number 21 as possible without going over. But even though the basic concept of the game is easy to learn, people should still take the time to examine all of the Blackjack rules so they know their options.
Overall ConceptAs mentioned before, the point of online Blackjack is to use one's cards to get as close to 21 as possible. If a person's cards push them over the number 21 then they have busted out of the hand and lose any wager made. Players at the table are only trying to beat the dealer and not each other with their hands.
Card ValuesFor the most part, card values in Blackjack rules are pretty straightforward since cards 2 - 10 equal their number value while jacks, queens, and kings are worth 10 points. The only tricky card value in Blackjack is the ace since it can be worth 11 points or just 1 point. An ace will be worth 11 points as long as it doesn't push a player over the number 21 while it's only worth 1 point if it does put a person over 21.
The DealOnce all players have made their wagers the dealer will give each person two cards. The dealer will also give their self a card which is flipped over so players can see the value of it. The first seat to the left of the dealer then lets the dealer know if they want another card or if they want to stay with their current hand. After all of the players have finished making their hands, the dealer will then complete their own hand.
Player ActionsSince the dealer gets to act after the players, those playing are given more options with regards to their hand. If a person is not satisfied with their hand they can ask for additional cards (called hitting) until they either reach a desired point total or go over 21 and bust out of the hand. When a player is satisfied with their hand they can stay with it and no more cards will be dealt to them.
Doubling down allows a player to double their original wager and draw one more card from the deck. If a person is dealt a pair they can split their pair into two separate hands; when this is done a new card will be dealt to each new hand. A person can also buy insurance when the dealer is dealt an ace on their first card and this pays the player back their original bet if the dealer gets Blackjack.
Dealer ActionsBlackjack rules dictate the actions a dealer can make during the game. All online casinos require the dealer to hit until they reach 17 while some places make the dealer hit on a soft 17 (hand where an ace is worth 11 points). Dealers cannot double down or split pairs.
A NaturalA Natural (or Blackjack) is when a person is dealt a hand equaling the number 21 right away. To get a Natural, a player's first two cards must be an ace along with a 10, jack, queen, or king. When a player receives a Blackjack, they will be paid one and a half times their wager unless the dealer also gets a Blackjack. If a player and the dealer both get a Natural then the hand is a push (or tie) and the player's wager is returned to them.
