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.

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Gambling online, including blackjack online for real money, is illegal in some jurisdictions, so be aware of the situation where you live before deciding to play.