Blackjack is card game played with a standard 52 card deck. Most online Blackjack games use only one deck, which is shuffled after each hand is complete, however 6 deck Blackjack is also becoming increasingly popular.

The basic rules of blackjack is to get your card total as close to 21 without going over 21 while beating the dealers hand. If there is a tie then the game is considered a push at most casinos, and no money is lost. However, some casinos play so the house wins on a tie (which we would recommend avoiding, as it gives the house much more of an edge). The highest hand that you can have is a 'Blackjack', which consists of a face card and an Ace. This hand is unbeatable unless the dealer has also been dealt a Blackjack.

A cards value is determined by the card number, with face cards valued at 10 and aces valued as either 1 or 11. For example, a 7 and an Ace makes 8 or 18, two face cards makes 20, etc.

 

9 + 8 = 17	Ace + a 5 = 6 or 16	Ace + a 5 + a Face card = 16 or 26 But we don't want 26!	Blackjack!

 

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If you are content with the first 2 cards you receive you may "stand" and not take any more cards. If you feel that the dealer has a better hand then you, you may then "hit" which gives you another card. You may continue hitting until you're content with your hand value, or you 'bust' (go over 21).

In most Casinos if the dealer has 17 or more they must stand, and if the dealer has less than 17 the dealer must hit. Check with each casino to see their house rules before you drop any money on the table, some casinos will allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17.  

If your first two cards are a pair you may "split" them if you wish. Some casinos will treat all 10 valued cards (10, jack, queen and king) as 10's and allow them to be split, some will only allow actual pairs to be split.

Splitting allows you to play two hands in one game by splitting an initial two card hand into two hands. To split you must match your current wager. The dealer will then will then deal a card to the first hand and you may then hit, stand or split depending on the rules of the house. When you have completed the first hand the dealer will then deal a card to the second hand and then you may continue as normal. If aces are split the dealer will deal one card to each ace and no more.  

When your first two cards total 9, 10 or 11 (in most casinos, some will allow you to double on different totals), you have the option of doubling your original bet and taking one, and only one hit to complete your hand.