Blackjack Online Basics

The main objective of the game is to score a total of 21 points with 2 playing cards. The secondary objective is to beat the dealer by scoring more points than those held by the dealer. Both of these objectives result in the player winning and getting a return on their stake or bet.

Blackjack

Blackjack is defined as a player being dealt an ace and a face-card or a ten. An ace is worth 11 points, face-cards are worth 10 points and obviously a 10 is worth 10 points. When you add the two together you get a total of 21 which is called "Blackjack".

Other Hands

If you are dealt 2 cards of the same value you can elect to "split". To split means that you will then play two hands. You must place the same bet on each hand. It is not obligatory to split the cards and create two hands. It is just an option. The highest probability of making a Blackjack hand is if you are dealt two aces.

The chances are considerably higher that you will be dealt a face-card or a 10. If you split two 6's the odds are much lower that you will be able to achieve the maximum score of 21. If you are happy not to split the cards, you will "stand" or "stick". This does not let the dealer know that you have two cards of the same value.

The Important Things To Consider

To win at Blackjack you must beat the dealer. You must remain in the game and no go "bust". To go bust means that the total of the cards in you hand exceeds 21. When this happens to you, you have lost that game and the house has won. You lose your money.

Payout Calculations

Should you be dealt an ace and a face-card then your payout will be based on the formula 2:3. The calculation is simple. If you placed a 3 chip bet then you would receive your 3 chips back and further 2 chips as your winnings. These odds only apply to a Blackjack hand.

The other way of winning is if the total number of points in your hand exceeds those of the dealer then you have won. The odds for this are 1:1. For each chip you placed you would receive an extra 1 chip.