How To Play Blackjack: A Comprehensive Guide Canada

Basics of Blackjack

The goal for a player playing blackjack is to get as close as or hit 21 within their hand without going over. No matter how many players are within the game, you are only competing with the dealer who also has the same goal to reach. The party with the best hand wins the game, and all bets are then paid out accordingly.

Since this is a comparing card game, it takes skill to decide what move you are going to take next to obtain a better-combined total than the dealer’s hand. The game commences as two cards are dealt to the player and two to the dealer. Both the player’s card is facing up, while the dealer only has one up card.

Once cards have been noted, the player has the option to either stand, split, hit, surrender, or double down. These actions are considered depending on the up card of the dealer and the total card values of the player’s hand.

After the player’s action has been taken, the dealer reveals the second hole card and has mandatory actions depending on the total card value. If the dealer has a total value of 16 or below, additional cards are drawn until 17 or higher is reached. In the case that the dealer holds 17 or higher, an automatic stand will occur.

At any stage, either the player or the dealer surpasses 21, the hand is considered a bust, and the opposing party wins.

Now that you have a grasp on the basic concept of blackjack, let’s further dive into the value of cards and available moves within the game.

Value of Cards

The value of cards within blackjack is easy to memorize as the majority of cards are of face value. All cards from 2 to 10 are of face value whilst face cards are appointed as 10. Lastly, Aces are considered the best cards within the games as they can be used as either a 1 or an 11. This takes the pressure of going bust within a blackjack game; you can take additional cards and play your Ace as you wish to obtain the best hand.

Playing a Blackjack Hand

After you have checked your total hand value and have taken the dealer’s face-up card into account, one of many actions can be taken. At this point, you have to logically decide which of the following moves will get you as close as you can to 21. If you wish to implement a basic strategy, have a strategy chart in a new window to aid in your decisions.

Hit – If you “hit” within blackjack, you will obtain an additional card from the dealer. This is advised if the total of your two cards is low. There is no limit to the amount of time you can hit within a game of blackjack, as long as you don’t exceed 21.

Stand – The hand you have been dealt may be your best chance at beating the dealer. Also, running the risk of taking an extra card and going bust is never wise. In these scenarios, you can “stand” and play your current hand against the dealer.

Split – Obtaining a pair of identical cards will present you with the option to “split.” Both cards are split into two playing hands, giving you a better chance to beat the dealer.

Double-down – The double-down move in blackjack permits you to double your original bet within the game and take only one additional card. If you feel confident with your hand, this is a great option to double your winnings in seconds.

Bust – As mentioned, this term is used if you exceed 21 and, in turn, lose the game.

Surrender – Unlike the double down move in which players double their bet, the “surrender” move within blackjack is used if you believe you have a failing hand and wish to opt out of the game in play. Implementing this move will forfeit half of your bet to the house and take you out of the game. Be mindful that this action is only allowed in blackjack surrender games.

Insurance Bets – Insurance bets are a form of side bet that players can utilize if the dealer’s up card is an Ace. This permits players to place a bet that the dealer will hit 21 and pays out at a rate of 2.1 if the bet is successful.