Learn to Play Blackjack

In order to learn to play online blackjack, a player must first come to understand what needs to be done in order to win. Gamblers play blackjack against the dealer, and they win by getting a hand that is worth a higher value than the dealer's hand without breaking 21. If 21 is broken this is called "busting" and the player loses the game.

Hand Values

In blackjack, hand values are determined by adding all of the cards in a hand together. The cards that are worth their face value in points are the ones that are numbered from two through 10. For instance, a 10-card is worth ten points. Other cards that are always worth ten points are Jacks, Queens, and Kings; Aces are worth either one point or 11 points, depending on what works best for the player's hand.

Playing the Game

A game of blackjack starts with the player placing his bet. The dealer then deals two cards out to each player, putting them face up on the table. The dealer also takes two cards but puts one face up and the other face down. Based on the player's cards and the dealer's exposed card, the player has to choose whether to stand or hit. Once people learn to play blackjack, they can also choose the more advanced options of splitting and doubling.

Winning Hands

The game ends with the dealer flipping over his face down card to reveal his hand. If a player's hand is higher than the dealer's without breaking 21 then that player wins a payout of 1:1 on his bet. Winning with a 2-card hand worth 21 points means a payout of 3:2 is won. If the dealer beats the player, the bet goes to the house.

Once a person understands the rules of blackjack he can start playing right away. He can play the game in an actual casino or play online blackjack.