Free Online Lessons in Blackjack Rules

Taking our blackjack journey forward, we’ll now touch upon the rules of blackjack. Online blackjack rules are similar to blackjack rules. So, understanding the rules of blackjack is beneficial for online blackjack players as well.

Blackjack is played with the objective of accumulating 21 points or with the objective of getting as close to 21 as one can without getting bust, i.e., crossing the point tally of 21.

Rule 1

The dealer is the only opponent in blackjack. One or more players on the table can play this game but all the players are always playing against the dealer.

Hence, in order to make correct decisions in blackjack you must remember only a couple of things - your cards and the dealer’s cards.

Rule 2
If the sum total of the value of all your cards exceeds 21, you are considered bust and you lose your bet. In the condition of push (the situation where neither party has an upper hand), no one wins or loses, and so the player retains his bet.

Rule 3

If the first two cards dealt to a player are equal, the player has the right to split the cards in two and play two different hands with them.

An additional card each for both the hands will be dealt but the wager equal to the original bet must be placed on each split. This rule may vary from casino to casino.

Rule 4
There is an option of doubling down the bet. If the value of a player’s first two cards is 9, 10 or 11 (without an ace), the player can place an additional bet, which should not exceed the original bet. One additional card will be dealt to the player who doubles. This rule also varies from casino to casino.

Rule 5
The dealer announces insurance, if the first card dealt to him is an ace. The player has an option to place an insurance bet by placing a wager equal to or less than the original bet. This is done to insure the player’s hand against the dealer getting a natural blackjack.

Rule 6
The player has the option to stand from the table by deciding not to draw any other card. The player can still keep his existing total.

Rule 7
If the player perceives that the value of the dealer’s hand is higher than that of his hand, he can choose to surrender by giving up half of his bet and withdraw from the game. This option is not available in all casinos.