Play Blackjack Here: Gaming Rules and Guides for Beginners

Blackjack is one of the most popular and beloved casino games, combining strategy and luck to create an enjoyable gaming experience. The rules of blackjack are remarkably simple, making it easy for casino newbies to explore and even win with minimal fuss. 

With the rise of online casinos, we’ve seen fresh and exciting elements added to this age-old game. However, although game studios include new mechanics with each recent release, blackjack retains that beloved simplistic vibe. 

In this review, we dive into blackjack rules for new casino players alongside some insight on the different blackjack variants. 

Blackjack Rules – How to Play Blackjack for Beginners 

Blackjack’s primary objective is simple – get a hand value higher than the dealer’s without going beyond 21. The game begins with the croupier dealing two face-up cards to all players on the table. Dealers also get two cards, but only one is a face-up card. 

Depending on your hand’s value, you can decide to hit or stand. Choosing to hit means you get another card. Usually, this choice makes sense if you have a lower card value and need another to get closer to 21 without going over. 

If you decide to stand, you won’t receive any more cards from the croupier. Players pick this option when they have high-value cards (17 or over). 

After the round, the dealer reveals their face-down card, and you win if your hand is closer to 21 and higher than the croupier’s. Otherwise, you lose. Landing a blackjack (a hand value equal to 21) pays out 3:2. 

Card values in blackjack are pretty easy to grasp. The King, Queen, and Jack cards count as 10. Usually, the ace has a numerical value of 11. However, if it makes your hand go beyond 21, then it counts as 1. All other numbered cards retain their numeric value. 

Also, while stand and hit are the basic choices in blackjack, that’s not all there is to the game. Some additional rules also apply. Let’s review them quickly: 

Surrender

Players can surrender if they believe they have an unfavourable hand at the start of the game. With this move, you’ll only lose 50% of your bet. 

Insurance

You can buy insurance if the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. At the end of the round, if the dealer has blackjack, you’ll claim a 2:1 payout. 

Double Down

It’s possible to double your bet after receiving two cards in blackjack. Opting for this move means the dealer will hand you a third card. However, doubling down is only advisable if your first two cards have a value of 11 or lower. With this hand, you have a lesser probability of going over 21 with a third card. 

Split

If you receive two cards of the same value, such as aces, you can split them into two separate hands.  This way, you double your chances against the dealer. 

Blackjack Variations – European, Spanish 21, and Pontoon 

Different variations of blackjack exist, each with rules to heighten the gaming experience. We’ll explore some of these variants in this segment. Depending on the online casino you play at, you’ll likely encounter these versions from different developers. 

European Blackjack

Unlike traditional blackjack, European Blackjack starts with the dealer receiving only one face-up card. They’ll receive the hole or face-down card after the players have played their hand. 

Since there’s no hole card at the start of the game, the croupier cannot check for blackjack if their face-up card is an ace. Players can also only split once and use the double down option when they have a hand value worth 9, 10, or 11.  

In addition, there’s no option to surrender in European Blackjack. 

Pontoon

Pontoon is a variation of blackjack that’s quite popular in the UK. The game differs from blackjack slightly in terms of rules and terminology. In pontoon, the stand, hit, and double down moves are referred to as twist, stick, and buy. 

A blackjack hand is also called a pontoon. During the gameplay, players receive only one card at the start. After placing bets, the croupier deals the second card.

There’s a special hand in this game called the five card trick. You land this hand when you hold five cards without going above 21. 

Spanish 21 

One notable rule change in Spanish 21 is the omission of all 10-numbered cards. As a result, the game is played with a deck of 48 cards, rather than the 58 deck of standard blackjack. In addition, a player’s 21 and blackjack hands always win against the dealer. 

Furthermore, you can split equal-value cards up to three times to create four hands. The double down option comes with an interesting variation, as well. 

When you choose to double down, you can eventually rescue the second half of your bet while forfeiting the first wager. 

Play Live Blackjack for a More Immersive Experience

Traditional casino blackjack is an exciting, fast-paced game with straightforward rules. However, it’s still RNG-based, with zero real-time interactions. If you prefer the pulsating and immersive action of brick-and-mortar table games, you may want to consider live casino blackjack. 

These titles involve gambling against real-life players on your smartphone or PC, with a virtual croupier overseeing the gameplay. Live Blackjack from Evolution Gaming is an exciting recommendation to experience this real-time, immersive gaming. 

Conclusion

Blackjack is simple, fast-paced, and exciting. Anyone, from newbies to veterans, can enjoy this casino game with minimal fuss. Ready to put your strategic side to the test? Give this exciting card game a try!