Blackjack

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Aiming for 21

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Blackjack is a card-based casino game in which the aim is to obtain a hand that is worth 21 points, but also not exceed it. The game is unique in that unlike other casino games, you are playing against the dealer alone, regardless of how many other players have joined you. As such, a player wins if his/her hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s.

The Rules of Blackjack

Blackjack can be played at its most basic level or at a more advanced level, whereby there are additional betting options and higher stakes. However, the rules for each level remain the same, and include the following:
- The values of the cards are as follows:

Image	Card	Blackjack Value
	Ace	1 or 11 - whichever helps you better obtain a hand closer to 21
	2	2
	3	3
	4	4
	5	5
	6	6
	7	7
	8	8
	9	9
	10	10
	Jack	10
	Queen	10
	King	10
	Joker	Not included in Blackjack

- Each player is initially dealt 2 cards, yet can add as many as they like in order to reach 21.
- The dealer’s second card remains concealed until the end of the game.
- To ask for an additional card is to ‘Hit’.
- To use only the first 2 cards dealt (IE – to not hit) is to ‘Stand’.
- If you bust (IE – exceed 21), the dealer automatically wins the hand, regardless of what he/she has.
- The dealer will hit until he/she has reached 17 - once passed, the dealer will stand.
- To have ‘Blackjack’ is to have an Ace and a face card, e.g.: Ace and Jack.
- To ‘Double Down’ is to receive 1 more card and then double the bet.
- To ‘Split’ is to divide a pair into 2 hands, where both hands must follow the same wager initially made.

How to Play online Blackjack

It is extremely easy to play Blackjack on the Internet. Whether you've played a casino game online before or not, following these simple steps is all you'll need to do it:

1. Download online Blackjack software onto your computer. Once complete, open the program, enter the lobby and choose the online Blackjack game you want to play.
2. To start playing online Blackjack, click on either “play” or “start”. You will be taken to a felted green table.
3. Make your bet by placing chips on the table. Usually, the chips will be located under the table and must be dragged onto it in order to bet.
4. Click the “deal” icon and you will be given 2 cards.
5. Either hit or stand in order to obtain the better hand - remember that the dealer always stands on 17! If you hit, you will be dealt an additional card. You can hit as many times as you like in order to get closer to 21, yet the dealer will automatically win if you bust.
6. Once the dealer has reached 17 and you have decided to stand, the winner will be declared. Your winnings or losses will be displayed at the bottom of the screen in your credit or account area.
7. To begin a new game, repeat steps 3-7. If you are playing for real money, remember to cash out your winnings and exit the game responsibly before quitting.

Playing Online Blackjack Like a Pro

There are two popular methods used by players in order toplay Blackjack safely. Both are at about the same level of difficulty.

1. The Hard Hands method:

If you have:	Do this:
2 ,3 , 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8	Hit!
9	Double down if the dealer has 3-6, otherwise hit.
10	Double down if the dealer has 2-9, otherwise hit.
11	Double Down if the dealer has 2-10, otherwise hit.
12	Hit if the dealer has 2-3, stand if the dealer has 4-6, otherwise hit.
13, 14, 15, 16	Stand if the dealer has 2-6, otherwise hit.
17, 18, 19, 21	Stand!

2. The Soft Hand method:

If you have:	Do this:
A-2, A-3	Double down if the dealer has 5-6, otherwise hit.
A-4, A-5	Double down if the dealer has 4-6, otherwise hit.
A-6	Double down if the dealer has 3-6, otherwise hit.
A-7	Doulbe down if the dealer has 3-6, stand if the dealer has 2, 7, or 8, otherwise hit.
A-8, A-9	Stand!