If you’ve ever visited a casino in person or wandered the virtual floors on a casino provider site, you may have spotted a Blackjack table or two. However, it isn’t uncommon for players to not know how to play the casino classic, and opt for other games available on the casino floor instead.
With this in mind, we wanted to give you a crash course in Blackjack.
This way, you can get a basic understanding of how to play the game, so you can give it a go the next time you play live casino games of Blackjack either online or in person at a brick and mortar gambling establishment.
Are you ready to be dealt some of the ins and outs of Blackjack?
Where it all began
The origin of Blackjack, believe it or not, is still under debate. Some say the Romans invented the game and used wooden numbered blocks in place of the playing cards we use today. However, others believe Blackjack derived from a French game called Chenin de Fer, and arrived on the casino floor in France around the year 1700.
At that time, Blackjack wasn’t actually called Blackjack. Instead, it was known as Vingt-et-Un, which translates to Twenty-One.
How to play
When it comes to playing this iconic game, it’s good to remember that all other players around the Blackjack table have no effect on your game, and your opponent is not another player, but the dealer themselves.
That’s right, in order to win a game of Blackjack, you’ll need to beat the dealer’s hand of cards.
To begin a game, the dealer will deal you two cards facing upwards and themselves two cards – one facing upwards, the other face down. It’s here where you’ll need to add your cards together to find your hand’s total.
Note: All numbered cards hold the value of the number displayed on the card. Picture/Royal cards are worth a value of 10 and Aces are worth two values, which you can choose from – one or 11.
Once you have you’re total, you’ll need to decide whether you want to try and get closer to a total of 21 with another card or not. If you can, add another card. If you feel you can’t, stick with what you have. If at any point your total exceeds the total of 21, you’ll lose the game.
Once you’re happy with the hand you have, the dealer will then play their turn. They turn over their facedown card and play towards getting as close to 21 as possible. When the dealer is happy with their cards, whoever has a hand closer to 21 than the other, wins the game.
Blackjack terms
Here are a few terms you’re going to want to know before playing a game or two of Blackjack.
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Hit
You’ll need to say this if you wish to be dealt another card.
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Stand
When you’re happy with your hand of cards, say “stand”.
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Blackjack
Not only is this the name of the game, but it also refers to a perfect hand. When the two original cards dealt contain an ace and either a ten or a picture card, this is known as a perfect hand, and ultimately a Blackjack.