Because of its immense popularity, even someone who never visited a casino probably knows how to play blackjack. If you are one of the rare few who don’t know how to play the game, or just wants to brush up a little on your knowledge of the blackjack rules, here is as short but concise introduction.

Your goal is to have to have a better hand than the dealer with out going over 21. If you go over 21, you “bust” and you automatically lose the hand. Your total is calculated by adding up the values of each of the cards you have. Face cards are each worth 10 points while the number cards are worth their face value. An ace usually counts as 11 unless it busts your hand in which case it counts as 1.

You will usually play the game with six other players and a dealer. At online casinos you will be playing alone against the dealer, but some online casinos exist that offer you to share the table with other players. The game can be played with up to eight decks with single deck blackjack considered to be the most advantageous for the player (when card counting is involved). Before the dealing each player places his initial bet in front of him. After bets have been placed the dealer will deal two cards (usually face up) to the players and two cards to himself (one face up and one face down).

If the dealer’s up card is an A there is a good chance he already has blackjack. He will than allow the players to get “insurance” in case that he does have blackjack If you want to take insurance, you can bet any amount up to half of your original bet. After all the players have responded the dealer will check for blackjack and collect all losing bets. In case the dealer really has blackjack and you took insurance, the house will pay you 2:1 on your insurance bet.

If you have blackjack in the hole, you will automatically win the hand and the casino will pay you 3:2. This form of blackjack is called a “natural” and is your only way to win more than even money while playing. If both you and dealer have blackjack, it is called a “push” and is basically a tie.

If neither you nor the dealer has blackjack, the hand will continue with you acting first. You have the following options available to you:

Stand: If you are satisfied with your hand, you stand pat and receive no more cards.

Hit: You signal to the dealer and he will deal you another card. You can take as many cards as you want until you reach 21 or bust.

Double: This option is offered only after the first two cards. You are allowed to double your bet, and than will be given one more card only. You cannot draw anymore cards after doubling.

Split: When your first two cards are identical in value (same number cards or 2 face cards) you are allowed to split your hand into two separate ones. You will be asked to place another bet and than will be dealt 2 new cards making each of your original cards the first card of both new hands. Most casinos will allow you split several times if the opportunity arises.

Surrender: Not all casinos offer this option. If you don’t like your 2 hole cards and think your chances of winning are not very good, you can forfeit the entire hand and receive back 50% of your original bet.

After all the players in the table played their hands, the dealer will play his. In almost all casinos the dealer will hit until he has at least 17 or bust. In case the dealer busts, players at the table that did not bust themselves win the hand. Otherwise, the highest score wins (remember that are competing against the dealer and not the other players).