The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer. One has to come as close to 21 points as possible without actually going over 21. The score is calculated by a unique set of rules. These rules are simple and easy to remember.
An Ace can equal to either one or eleven. The player can choose either one or eleven depending on what will best fit the situation. A player’s hand can be either soft or hard. When the hand is soft, the player can draw another card safely. When the hand is hard, the player will not be able to draw another card without going over 21.
Cards two through nine have a value that is respective to their face value. For example, if one draws a four, the card is four points.
Drawing a ten, a Jack, a Queen, or a King will give the player ten points.
The score is calculated by summing up the score of all the cards in a player’s hand. During the game, the dealer will give the player two cards. After the cards are dealt, the game will begin and each player will make his or her decision. During classic blackjack, the player makes his or her decision before the dealer. A player can perform any of the following acts:
• A player can only surrender after the cards are dealt. Surrender means the player folds his or her hand. Half of the bet will be lost.
• A hit means that the player wants the dealer to give him or her another card.
• Splitting pairs can only happen when a player has two cards that are equal. He or she can split the hand and play two different hands. This means that the player needs to place a bet on the new hand. The player can double after the split. A player can only draw one card for each Ace.
• Double Down means the player will hit and increase his or her bet. This is only done if the player knows the next card will be favorable.
• Insurance is a method that is used when the dealer has an Ace. The dealer will offer insurance to players. The players will bet up half of the original bet against the dealer. If the dealer gets a blackjack, the player will lose his or her original bet. However, the insurance bet is paid out at double odds. If there is no 21, the player will lose both of the bets.