Blackjack has a basic set of blackjack game
rules that all players must follow. There are also specific
rules that the dealer must follow. Before playing blackjack in a
brick and mortar casino, you should learn and master the rules
of blackjack. Understanding and mastering the rules of blackjack
will help you be more comfortable during your first brick and
mortar casino blackjack experience and will allow the game to
flow much quicker.Object of Blackjack
The
object of blackjack is to achieve a total greater than the
dealer, without going over 21. If there are other players at the
table, you are still trying to beat the dealer (the casino)
only.
Restrictions on the Dealer
While all players generally have the option to play their
hand as they want, there are certain restrictions put on the
dealer. He or she has a forced set of rules that must followed
every single hand. There can be slight variations on these rules
from casino to casino, so make sure you ask the dealer when you
sit down at a blackjack table. However, generally most of the
blackjack rules are the same.
If the dealer is showing a total of 16 or less, he must take
additional cards until achieving a hand from 17-21 or busting.
In contrast, if the dealer is showing a total of 17 or higher,
he is usually required to stand and not take any additional
cards.
It is extremely important to find out what the dealer rules
are in the casino you are playing. This will help you better
understand what the dealer is doing during the game to avoid
confusion. It will also help you slightly change your strategy
to better match the specific blackjack game that you are playing
in.
The 5 Worst Rules of Blackjack
There
are a handful of blackjack games around the country that have
added new blackjack rules which are designed to hurt the player
more than the traditional blackjack rules and give the casino a
larger advantage. If you ever notice a game that has any of the
rules listed below, it is advised to stay away from that
particular table and find a blackjack game elsewhere.
- Blackjack pays even money
- Blackjack pays 6 to 5
- Doubling down only on 10 or 11
- Dealer hits on soft 17
- Using 8 decks of cards
If you find yourself in a game that uses any of the rules
above, you should probably seek a new blackjack table elsewhere.
Playing in games with these rules just continues to boost the
casino edge and you have much better odds playing in a different
casino. |