If you are new to blackjack, you will note that the games carry an array of decks and rule variations. However, the most common game is dealt out with 6 or 8 decks of cards. The dealer uses a shoe, a card dispensing device, to dissuade professional card counters. Some casinos offer single and double deck games.
Before playing a blackjack game, you need some chips. Most casinos, especially land-based casinos, don't allow cash wagers. Therefore, you need to exchange your money for chips to enjoy a blackjack game. You can do this by walking up to a table and placing your money or trying out an online casino. These chips help with:
After laying your money, the dealer counts the different chip denominations to equal your cash. This enables you to handle the chips as you would like and place any wager. Your buy-in or wager is visible for everyone to see. This ensures that you don't get conned in case you win or lose a game.
The first thing you do at the start of the round is to place a bet or a wager. You get to do this in the betting circle or square. In most casinos, you will see a sign that indicates the different betting limits. This will apply to both minimum and maximum limits.
In most casinos, the minimum amount might be €5 per hand. Note that as a new player, you should try out the game using the minimum amount. It ensures that you don't end up losing a fortune. However, experienced players can wager larger amounts because they understand the game and their odds.
After placing a wager, the dealer deals each player with a card. The dealer does this in a clockwise manner, and each player and the dealer gets their cards face up. Furthermore, the dealer deals the second round of cards, but in this case, they deal their card face down, but all the others are face up.
Therefore, all players end up with two cards each, face up. The dealer, however, ends up with two cards, one face up and the other face down. After dealing the cards, it's time to play or enjoy the game. Remember that your goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand that's 21 or close to 21.
The first person to start the game is whoever is on the left side of the dealer. This player is also known as first base, and everyone has to wait for the player to play their hand. If you are the first base, you need to add your card values to know whether:
Your total value can end up between 4 to 21. However, if you have a ten-value card and an ace for your first two cards, you have a blackjack. For a blackjack, you get 1.5x your wager immediately. However, to win, the dealer shouldn't have a blackjack, or else you end up in a push.
If you don't have a blackjack, there are a few ways of playing the game. The first is stand, where you get the dealer to move on when your first two cards are acceptable. Secondly, there is a hit where you ask for another card to try and get to 21. Be careful not to exceed 21.
If you do, you bust and lose the round. Furthermore, you have a double down option to double your wager and get an additional card from the dealer. Only double down if you believe you have an advantageous hand total. There is also a split option where you can put out a second wager.