BlackJack Basics

BlackJack is a simple game, easy to understand. The game is played with a standard deck and usually no wild cards. First you should know the value of the cards:
- all face cards ( Jack, Queen, King ) count as 10 points;
- aces have a value of either one or 11 points, however is better for the owner of the hand so he will be able to beat the dealer's hand;
- other cards count their face value ( 8=8 );
The only purpose of the BlackJack game is to beat the dealer's hand without going over a total of 21, so keep in mind that you are not competing against the other players, but only with the dealer.
After each game has been played, the used cards are shuffled back into the deck.
When your cards have a total that goes over 21, you lose your bet. That means you "bust".
When your total is the same with the dealer's, from 17 and up, it is a push. Than the dealer will need to draw cards until he will have at least 17, and he must stand at 17 or higher. From that situation the term "17 against the dealer". The dealer is governed by a set of rules, so he may not always decide whether or not draw cards based on your hand. If he will get 16, he will need to take another card.
Depending on the casino rules, the dealer will take a card when his total is 16 and will stand when his total is 17. If the dealer busts, the game is over and the player wins. If the dealer stands, the hands are compared and the hand that is closer to 21 will be paid. The simplest way to get exactly 21 is to hold an ace and either a face card or a ten.
At some casinos in the case of a tie or a push, meaning when you have the same hand as the dealer's, your bet will be returned. If you have a perfect 21 or a BlackJack, which is made of two cards, an ace and a face card, you will automatically win the hand, no matter of the dealer's hand.
At other casinos if you have the same hand as the dealer's you loose and if you have a BlackJack you need to wait and see what hand will get the dealer. If the dealer's hand will be 21 also, you loose again.
In the end, always remember that you play BlackJack against the dealer. We advice to play your hand depending on the dealer's upcard and your hand. In time, after you will collect more information about BlackJack and you will become more experienced, you will be able to play depending on all the cards you see on the table and to take a better decision on how to play your hand or how big should be your wager.