Online Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world because it offers some of the the best odds when played by a skilled player. However, don't expect to become a blackjack expert overnight. Knowing the rules to online blackjack will put you in good stead to take on the house and clean up. In this section we cover the basic blackjack rules in an effort to put you on the right track.

Value of cards when playing Blackjack:

2 - 10 face value
Face cards 10
Ace 1 or 11

The object of the game is to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over the value 21 itself. If a player or dealer goes over 21 he/she is 'bust' and automatically loses that hand. A winning hand wins the value of its original wager.

The game starts with each player placing a wager. The dealer then deals 2 face-up cards to everyone and one-up one-down to himself. Players may then draw cards (hit) or stay on their current totals (stand). Once all players have finished taking cards, the dealer then plays out his hand according to the following house rules:

Dealer MUST 'hit' until he reaches a score of 17 or more*

If the dealer 'busts' all players who have not bust themselves will automatically win.

Important aspects of Online Blackjack...

Push:

When the dealer and player have the same card value and the hand is a tie. Nothing is won or lost.

Blackjack:

This is the best hand in the House. Blackjack consists of an ace and any 10-point card. It typically pays out at 3:2.

Double:

A player may double if he/she feels that one more card will be enough to win the hand. The player signifies intention to double by placing another bet alongside the original after the first two cards have been dealt. The dealer will then deal one and only one more card to that player when his/her turn comes around. Some casinos allow doubling on any two cards while others limit doubling hands to values of 9, 10 and 11.

Split:

If a player's first two cards are the same, they may be split into two separate hands. Another wager for the new hand is compulsory, effectively doubling the initial bet. The player then plays each hand individually. Re-splits are normally permitted and doubling after splitting is allowed in most casinos.

Surrender:

A few casinos offer the option to surrender. This means that if a player is not happy with his/her hand before receiving a third card the player may surrender the hand and consequently forfeit half the original bet.

Insurance:

This is offered when the dealer has an Ace showing. Players are given the option to take out insurance on the dealer drawing Blackjack. Insurance, which is paid out at 2:1, is realised in the event of the dealer getting Blackjack. Insurance is normally offered at a minimum of half the player's original bet.

In some casinos dealers must 'hit' on soft 17. This means that they have a total of 17, comprising an Ace and any number of cards totaling 6.

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