Learn the basic rules and strategy of how to play blackjack. The goal at Blacjack is to score 21 points or get as close to this number as possible. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the player is only measured against the bench. Whoever gets 21 points or comes as close as possible is the winner of the hand.
In the event that you go over and get a number higher than 21, you automatically lose, regardless of the amount the dealer gets. In the event that it is the dealer who obtains a result higher than 21, you will win as long as you have not exceeded 21 points.
Typically six decks of French cards are used in Blackjack, however the number can range from one to eight decks. Each of them has 52 cards.
What is the score of each of the cards?
- 10 points: kings (K), queens (Q) and jacks (J)
- Its face value: from 2 to 10
- Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on what the player is interested in that play
Example:
The dealer when dealing the hand has given you a card with a 9. You have asked for a card and it is an ace. The sum would be 9 + 11 = 20. You would stand with that score.
The dealer when dealing the hand has given you a card with a 9. You ask for a card and it is a 7 and you ask again for a card and it is an ace. The sum would be: 9 + 7+ 11 = 27. You would have gone too far. However, you have the possibility that the ace adds up to 1. The sum would be: 9 + 7 + 1 = 17. You would stand.
Soft Hand vs Hard Hand
An important concept in Blackjack is that of a soft hand or a hard hand . What does it mean and what is the difference? When we refer to a soft hand it is because in our first hand we have played an Ace. As we have explained previously, the Ace can be worth 1 point or 11 points. And this gives us a clear advantage over the play. Instead, we refer to the concept of a heavy hand when the Ace must be worth 1 point. Perhaps with an example it is better understood.
7 + Ace = 8 or 18 – Soft hand
7 +8 + Ace = 16. Hard hand. The Ace must be used as a 1 if we want to have a chance of winning the game.
The regulations in Blackjack are strict and not only for the player, but also for the dealer. The dealer cannot stand with a score lower than 17. In the event that his score is 16 or lower, he will always have to ask for a new card, even if this means losing the game. This rule allows the player to have a small advantage over the game.
In Blackjack, victory is paid 1: 1. However, if you get a Blackjack, that is, the combination of an Ace and a card worth 10 points (K, Q, J, 10) the payoff is 3: 2.
Example:
If you bet € 10, you will win € 25. There is also the possibility of a tie. This happens if the player and the bank obtain the same score. The player will recover the money invested in that round, neither lose nor win.