Blackjack is a popular casino card game.
The Goal of the Game
The goal of blackjack is to score higher than the dealer, while not going over 21 points. Once a player, or the dealer, goes over twenty-one, they immediately lose the round (bust).
The point values of the cards in blackjack are as follows:
- Cards from 2 to 10 are worth the number of points shown on the card.
- Aside from the Ace, all face cards (J Q L) are worth ten points.
- The Ace (A) can be worth either one or eleven points, depending on what the player chooses.
Gameplay Loop
At the start of the game, the players place their initial bets. In most cases, bets are subject to betting limits, which serve to discourage players from abusing the Martingale System.
The players are then dealt two cards each. This is the first point in which a player can win the game. If a player is dealt a natural blackjack, an Ace and a 10, they automatically win the round and are awarded a 3:2 payout (unless the dealer also has a natural blackjack, in which case the round is declared a push).
After this, the players count up their scores and decide whether or not they want an extra card. If they do, this is called hitting. A player can hit as many times as they want, as long as they don’t go over 21. If they don’t want an extra card, they stand and the next player takes their turn.
Blackjack players go through these motions one by one, in the direction from first to third base. After they’re finished, the dealer takes their turn.
Winning and Losing
- A player wins if they have a natural blackjack (and the dealer does not), score higher than the dealer, or if a dealer busts
- The dealer wins if they have a natural blackjack (and the player does not), score higher than the player, or if the player busts.
- The round is declared a push if the player and the dealer have the same amount of points.
Payouts in Blackjack
In most cases, after winning a round, players receive a payout the size of their bet (e.g. $4 on a $2 bet). In the case of a natural blackjack, the payout increases to 3:2 (e.g. $5 on a $2 bet).
Additional betting mechanics:
After a player is dealt their cards, they have 3 additional betting options. They can double down on the bet, doubling it. They can split their cards by placing an amount equal to their original bet on each of their cards individually. They can pay 50% of their original bet to make an insurance bet, protecting themselves from a natural blackjack by the dealer.
Blackjack:
- A popular casino card game the goal of which is to score higher than the dealer