Blackjack

Blackjack, often referred to as 21 is the most popular casino table game. Blackjack is a simple game to learn and to play. The objective of Blackjack is to come as close to 21 without going over and to have a higher total than the Dealer.

When you select a table to play at you must first place a bet. You will then be dealt two cards face up. The Dealer is also dealt two cards. If your two card total is closer to 21 than the Dealer's you win the amount that you have bet. You also win if the Dealer goes over 21 and you have not busted. If your total goes over 21, you lose the amount that you have bet.

A Blackjack is when the first two cards that you are dealt, total 21.

A Bust is achieved when the total value of cards for either the Dealer or the Player if they exceed 21. If the Player busts they lose the amount that they have bet. If the dealer busts the Player automatically wins the amount that they have bet.

A Push is achieved when the value of the Dealer's cards (from 17 to 21) and the Player's cards are equal resulting in neither winning. It also results in the return of the Player's wager.

These are the actions that you can take at the blackjack table:

Bet - place a bet.

Hit - ask for another card to be dealt. You may take a hit at any time before standing.

Stand - no more cards are wanted. You keep the hand dealt to you.

Split - If you are dealt a pair, for example 8, 8 your pair may be split into 2 separate hands by placing a second bet of equal value to your first bet. You then play each hand separately. Splitting pairs can be very powerful and increase the amount of money that you can win.

Double Down - When you are dealt your first two cards and think you can beat the dealer with just one more card, you can double down. That means the amount of your bet is doubled and you get one more card. For example, you are dealt a 6 and a 5 for a total of 11. If you double down and then are dealt a ten card you now have 21 and are very likely to win the hand. This is also a powerful way to increase the amount of money that you can win.

Surrender - Once you surrender, you will receive 50% of your current bet and 50% will go to the house. Surrender is only allowed on the first 2 cards a player receives.

Insurance - Gives you a chance to protect yourself when you believe the Dealer might have Blackjack. If the Dealer's first card is an ace, and the Player believes the Dealer's hole card (face down) value is 10, the Player may purchase insurance against the potential that the dealer has a Blackjack at the price of half their initial bet. If the Dealer does have Blackjack, the insurance pays 2 to 1, which corresponds to the amount of the initial bet. If the Player has bought insurance and

the Dealer does not have Blackjack, the Player loses his insurance. The Player's initial bet is then settled by comparing his cards with the Dealer's. If the Dealer and the Player both have Blackjack, the game results in a push with the Player profiting by the amount won by taking insurance - also called "even money".

Blackjack Basic Strategy

Blackjack basic strategy can be used to help defeat the dealer. By using a Blackjack basic strategy chart all the moves that you make at the blackjack table are predetermined. The basic strategy chart will tell you when to hit, stand, double and split.

Below is a blackjack basic strategy chart for the blackjack game at Bodog's casino. You can play blackjack for free at Bodog and practice using the strategy chart. Just click here to play blackjack for free.

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