The basic concept of the game is to be handed cards adding up to twenty-one. Each gambler is assigned 2 cards. When a blackjack player is dealt a nine or lower value card and an Ace they’ve been given a soft hand. When the blackjack player is dealt no Ace it is referred to as a hard hand. As soon as the cards have been given to every player at the blackjack table, including the dealer, every gambler is given the opportunity to make one of 6 decisions:
Taking another card (Hit): When a gambler announces hit me the croupier will give them another card, if the addition of that card makes the total greater than twenty one the blackjack player will have lost and that’s the end of the game, if the card pushes the value of the hand to twenty one the blackjack player is the winner and if the total has not yet reached 21 they are still in the game.
Keeping the hand you have been given: If a black jack player is happy with the hand they’ll stand. As soon as this has happened the dealer will display his or her cards and the black jack player who has gotten 21 or the nearest to 21 will come away with a win.
Doubling Down: A black jack player may ask to double down which increases the bet by 100% they have made. As soon as you’ve taken this procedure you can only be given 1 additional card. The details of doubling down are often out lined by the blackjack table or betting house rules so prior to wagering be sure you’re comfortable with the casino established rules. If you are gambling at an on-line betting house this is usually very simple.
Stay tuned for part two.