How to Play Casino Blackjack: Basics and Rules of the Game

Casino Black Jack is one of the most popular casino games. This strategy-based card game, also called “21,” can be fun as long as you know how to play it. So, today we take you through the basics of the games as well as all the rules associated with playing Blackjack in VIP casinos.

Understanding the Basics of Black Jack Casino

Before understanding the rules, it is crucial to understand the basics of the game. In a game of Blackjack, you play against the Dealer rather than any other player. The basic objective of each game is to ensure that the value of the cards in your hand is closer to 21 than the total value of the cards in the Dealer’s hand. However, the caveat is that the value should stay under 21. So, if the value of your cards is 22 against the Dealer’s 18, the Dealer wins. Similarly, you win if the Dealer goes over and you do not.

The game is usually played with 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 decks of cards. When calculating the values, the suits of the cards don’t matter—only the number on the card is taken into consideration. The value of the cards from 2-10 is considered at face value while all face cards (K, Q, and J) are considered 10 points. The ace can be considered either a 1 or an 11. Accordingly, a hand without an ace is called a hard hand, while one that has it is called a soft hand since the card can change the total value. However, if the total value of the 3 cards in a soft hand goes over 21, then it becomes a hard hand.

Hand signals are another crucial thing you need to know when playing Blackjack in VIP Casinos. Following are the three main hand signals used:

• If you want another card, tap the table with your pointer finger.
• If you don’t want any more cards and want to stand, simply move your hand in a horizontal motion on top of the table.

Rules of How to Play Blackjack at a Casino

Now that the basics are understood, let us go over the Blackjack Casino rules. When playing casino Black Jack, bets on the play are placed before the cards are even dealt. In the initial deal, 2 cards are dealt to every player while the Dealer gets 1 card, all of which are dealt face up. Once the cards are dealt, the following plays can be made:

Doubling Down

Doubling down is an additional wager on your initial bet that is possible on the two cards as long as there is no Ace among them. The additional wager cannot be more than your initial bet and must be at least the table increment. In the case of doubling, only 1 more card is dealt to the player.

Splitting

Splitting is possible only if a pair is dealt as the initial hand, in which case, you can split them and play them as individual hands. However, for this, you also need to place a bet that matches your initial bet.

Note: It must be noted that if you choose to Double Down or Split your dealt hand, and if the Dealer draws Blackjack, then you lose your original wager. Apart from this, all other wagers are returned to you.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect pairs are another form of bet that is also optional and the wager for this bet must be equal to or more than the minimum bet and equal to or less than the maximum bet. The payouts for these wagers are also calculated differently, with different types of bets having different values:

• Pair of different colored cards (Mixed Pair) – 5 to 1
• Pair of same colored but different suits (Coloured Pair) – 10 to 1
• Pair of same suits (Perfect Pair) – 30 to 1

Insurance

The Dealer offers insurance if they get an Ace in their first dealt hand. If you want to take this side bet, then you will need to wager half of your original bet on the Dealer having a 10 in the hole. If you succeed in your bet, then you are paid 2-to-1. This leads to you losing your original bet but winning the insurance bet.

Additionally, if you end up having a Blackjack in your hand while the Dealer has an Ace, then they will ask you if you would like even money for your hand instead of the 3-to-2 payout. If you choose not to take this money, then you will have a push if the Dealer has a Blackjack.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a game of strategy and will require you to put your brain to work to figure out the best course of action. So, now that you know how to play Blackjack in casinos, you can put this knowledge to use and play with a thorough understanding. Just keep in mind that without a strategy or playing by hunch can lead you to lose your funds quickly, so thoroughly understanding the rules and tricks is important to get an edge in the game.