About Standard Casino Blackjack
There are many variants of Blackjack available in Casinos, but the following rules are fairly standard and give you a good idea of the basic game.
The Game
Blackjack is played with six to eight packs of playing cards that are dealt from a container called a shoe. Before the cards are placed in the shoe they are shuffled by the Dealer, who will pass a cutting card to one of the players to "cut" the deck.
Players place their bets before any cards are dealt. Two cards are then dealt to the players and one to the Dealer. All cards are dealt face up. The object of the game is to beat the Dealer's total by drawing cards that equal 21, or as close to 21 as possible, without exceeding it.
Jack, Queen and King count as 10, Aces count as either 1 or 11 and other cards have their face value.
If you receive an Ace and a 10 count card as your first two cards dealt, you have Blackjack and you will be paid 3 to 2, unless the Dealer has Blackjack as well. It is then a stand-off and you neither win nor lose.
When you total is lower than the Dealer's you lose, but if your total is closer to 21 than the Dealer's you win. When both hands tie it is called a stand-off and you neither win nor lose. Cards totalling more than 21 lose, even if the Dealer's hand exceeds 21. If you don't exceed 21, but the Dealer does, you win.
Bet Options
Doubling Down
You may double down your initial bet on any two card total, but an Ace may not be included. When doubling down the additional wager must be at least the table minimum and no more than the original wager. You will then be dealt only one more card.
Splitting
Another option allows you to split cards of the same value. If you select this option you must duplicate your initial wager. The Dealer will place a second card on your first hand. If this is a card of the same value you may split one more time. Each hand will be completed in order. When splitting aces, you may split only once with each ace receiving one card only.
Original Bet
If you have chosen the option to split or double down your hand and the Dealer draws Blackjack you will lose your original wager. All other additional wagers will be returned to you.
Insurance
If the Dealer's first card is an Ace you may make a separate bet on the insurance line. You will win, on insurance, if a 10 count card is drawn to the Dealer's Ace, but lose if any other card is drawn by the Dealer. A winning insurance bet pays 2 to 1. If you have Blackjack when the Dealer's first card is an Ace, you may ask for even money immediately and take no further part in the hand.
Perfect Pairs
On selected tables there is an optional bet called Perfect Pairs. The Perfect Pairs wager must be at least the minimum amount and not more than the maximum amount. The payouts are as follows: a) A mixed pair - being a pair with two different coloured pairs 5-1 b) A coloured pair - being a pair of the same colour but different suit 10-1 c) A perfect pair - being a pair of the same suit 30-1
Hand Signals
When playing in a Casino you are required to physically indicate your decisions. If you require another card, simply tap the table with your index finger. If you want to stand, and don't require more cards, signal by moving your hand in a horizontal cut-off motion across the table.
Play Perfect Pairs Blackjack Now!