Online Blackjack Rules

Blackjack rules are relatively simple to learn and understand, and it is often thought that this is the reason why blackjack is one of the most popular casino games ever played. Other games, like slots, have very few rules to learn.

Objective and Scoring

Each casino has its own set of official blackjack rules, but the goal of the game is always the same--to beat the dealer by reaching a score as close to 21 as possible without going over. The cards two through 10 have a score equal to their face values, face cards are always counted as 10, and an ace can be scored as either one or 11. The most sought after hand in the game of blackjack is the 'natural', or a total score of 21 achieved with only two cards. In almost all online blackjack rules, achieving a natural is the equivalent of an instant win.

Gameplay and Dealer-Specific Rules

After the initial bets are placed, the dealer will give himself and the player two cards; the player's cards are both face-up but the dealer will often have one card face-down. Once these cards have been dealt, the player and dealer will determine whether they want to hit or stand. The term 'hit' refers to taking another card in an attempt to score closer to 21, while the term 'stand' means that a player or dealer is happy with their current hand. Most of the time, the rules of blackjack state that a dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more, but this only applies to the dealer. After all players are satisfied, the player with the hand closest to 21 without going over wins.

Blackjack rules are very important for players to understand in order to play the game skillfully and properly. Being unsure about any of the blackjack rules can often spell disaster for players of any caliber.