21 Blackjack Movie

There is a certain allure to Blackjack and its requirement to be of quick thinking.  While it may be a game, playing Blackjack requires skill and the ability to understand chance.   Whether you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, playing internet blackjack or at a local casino this article attempts to explain the basics of playing Blackjack.

Decks used in 21 Blackjack

Blackjack is played with a certain number of decks.  The number of decks can vary from one deck to up to eight decks of cards.  Depending on the way each hand is dealt will determine whether the cards are held face up or face down.  If the game is a hand-held game, the cards are played face down.  Conversely, if the game is played from a shoe then the game is played with the cards face up.  Regardless of the card visibility, the rules of the game remain the same.

Objective of Playing Blackjack

The objective of the game is to beat the dealer without going over a score of 21.  Going over a score of 21 causes you to ‘bust’ and therefore you lose by default regardless if the dealer goes over 21 as well.  The goal is to come as close to 21 without busting and making the dealer bust or have a score lower than yours.

21 Blackjack Card Values

While playing Blackjack, it is important to understand the score of each card you are handed.  Number cards from 2 to 10 are valued at their numerical face value.  All the face cards – Jack, Queen, King – are giving a value of 10.  The Ace is a unique card in that it can be scored as either a 1 or an 11.  The Ace allows you to use the card to your advantage.  A hand that is dealt an Ace is considered a soft hand since it is a variably scored hand.  A hard hand is any dealt hand that does not contain an ace.

Blackjack 21 Table Layout

The next piece of knowledge that is important to know when playing Blackjack is the layout of the Blackjack table.  The table is laid out in a semi-circle where the dealer stands at the flat part.  Professional tables have circles signifying a player seat.  When you sit at a table, you will place your bet through chips bought at the casino.  Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer will begin distributing the cards.

There are some basic moves to start playing Blackjack.  After you receive your cards, total the values.  It is now your decision to either ‘hit’ or ‘stand’.  Taking a hit means to take another card.  Although this gives you a chance to bust, it will also raise your score and greater your chance to beat the dealer.  You man also stand which eliminates your chance to bust but gives the dealer a chance to receive a greater score than your hand.

Blackjack Double Down and Split Explained

Some more advanced methods of playing Blackjack are to Double Down and Split.  Doubling Down means you essentially have a high confidence that you will win, therefore you double your bet.  When doubling down, you are able to double your bet after receiving your first two cards.  After a player decides to double down, he receives only one more card.  Doubling down often happens when the player sees the face up card and believes the dealer will bust.  If the dealer shows a two through six, there is a higher likelihood of him busting.

A split happens when you are dealt an equal pair.  You are able to then split your cards creating two hands in which you can win twice.  The player’s bet remains the same with both hands.  Another pair will allow you to make another split.  The most common rule will allow you to split your hand up to three times.

Although there are several other card strategies for a new player, these are the two basic moves to start playing Blackjack.  Make sure to learn other strategies and pay attention to game play.  With practice, you can become an expert Blackjack player.