Blackjack Basics

First-off, for beginners it would be recommended to start playing blackjack in an online casino rather than a physical location, as this will help simplify the learning process. A lot of terminology and etiquette will matter much less in an online session, leaving you to enjoy the game in your own comfortable environment.

 

Basic Blackjack Terminology

 

  • Blackjack – a two card hand consisting of an ace and any other card of a 10 value.
  • Bust – a hand that goes over 21 points.
  • Stand/hold – not receiving any further cards.
  • Hit – take another card.
  • Hand – a set of cards held by a player or the dealer.

 

There is more blackjack terminology to learn, however this will be enough to get into the game and start playing.

 

What Are The Cards Worth?

 

The blackjack card system is relativity easy to understand. Cards 2 through 10 are taken at face value (e.g. 2 is 2 points, 7 is 7 points). Kings, Queens and Jacks are taken at a 10 point value. Ace is the only unique card as it can be a 1 or 11 depending on what is better for the hand (e.g. Ace+2 would equal 3 or 13). the suit of a card (clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades) is not relevant in blackjack.

 

The Goal Of Blackjack

 

The main goal of the online blackjack NZ game is to beat the dealer, none of the other potential players matter to you as they are also only playing against the dealer. The only way to beat the dealer is to get closer to 21 than the dealer can, without going over 21 as this would result in an automatic loss, also known as a bust.

 

The Flow Of The Game

 

The game will start with all of players placing a bet, this is the amount you wish to wager against the dealer and has no relevance to any players around you. Then, the dealer will deal 1 card face up to each player and 1 card face up to themselves. Everyone will be dealt 1 more face up card besides the dealer, whose second card will be dealt face down. At this point if you have an Ace and 10 value card, you will automatically win your round. If not, you will have one of the following options:

 

  • Hit – the dealer will give you another card from the top of the deck, there is no limit to how many additional cards you can get, provided they do not total over 21.
  • Stay – if you are happy with your current hand as is, you would stay and not receive any more cards.

 

After the dealer has been through all of the players, they will proceed to flip up their face down card. If the dealers cards total to 16 or lower they will take another card, 17 or higher and they will stay. If the dealer has bust, all players at the table automatically win provided they have not bust already. If the dealer has not bust, players who are closer to 21 without being over will win. The dealers will then proceed to pay and take accordingly before the next round will start.

 

This concludes the basics of blackjack. Now all that’s left to do is play!