If you ask people to name a casino game, chances are that the vast majority will say blackjack! This card game is a universal favourite, with its straightforward rules and strategies attracting beginners and pros alike.
If you’re new to the world of blackjack and looking to wrap your head around the basics, Napoleons has got you covered with our beginner’s guide – Get ready as we cover everything from how to play blackjack to top strategy tips….
WHAT IS BLACKJACK
Before we dive in with answering all your questions on how to play blackjack, first we thought it best to delve into the basics with ‘What is blackjack’? Blackjack is a popular card game played in casinos across the world. The goal is to have a hand of cards that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without going over this number.
HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK
When learning how to play blackjack, always remember that your ultimate aim is to get a combined card value totalling, or very near, to 21 that is closer than the dealer.
To kick off the game, you receive two cards and can choose to “hit” for more cards or “stand” to keep your current hand. Each player competes against the dealer and if your hand beats the dealer’s without exceeding 21 (going bust), you win!
Check out the simplified steps:
1. Each player at the table places their bet.
2. The dealer deals one card to each player (including themself), face up on the table.
3. Moving clockwise around the table, the dealer gives each player a second card.
4. Players decide whether to stick with their two cards or take additional cards (hit), aiming to get as close as possible to 21 without exceeding it.
5. Players can continue hitting until they either choose to stick or go over 21, in which case they bust and lose their bet.
6. Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer can ‘hit’ more cards – they must keep hitting until they reach at least 16.
7. If the dealer hits and busts (goes over 21), all players win their bets.
8. If the dealer does not bust, the dealer’s hand is compared to each player’s hand individually:
- If a player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, the player wins.
- If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21, the player loses their bet.
- If a player and the dealer have the same total, they “standoff,” and no one wins or loses for that hand.
9. Payouts are made, and a new round begins.
BLACKJACK RULES
Knowing how to play blackjack has slight variations depending on the casino and country that you’re visiting, but universal basic blackjack rules are as follows:
Objective
Beat the dealer by having a hand closer to a total of 21 than the dealer without exceeding it.
Card Values
Face cards are 10, aces are 1 or 11 (depending on how it benefits you), and other cards are their number.
Dealer
Must hit until reaching at least 17.
Player Options
Hit (take another card), stand (keep current hand), double down (double bet and take one more card), split (if dealt two of the same cards, split into two hands).
Blackjack
If the first two cards are an Ace and card valued 10
Stand Off
If the player and dealer have the same total, it’s a tie, and the player’s bet is returned.
TABLE LAYOUT
A blackjack table features a semicircular design with spots for players around the curved edge and a nook for the dealer in the centre. Each player has a designated betting area to place their chips, plus, the dealer’s area has space for the deck and dealt cards.
The felt surface is usually marked with lines and text indicating where bets go, so there’s no need to worry about getting confused. Understanding the table layout is important for understanding how to play blackjack, but nowadays, there’s also often a smart device or printed guide with payout rules and instructions – or you can just ask the dealer, of course!
THE NAPOLEONS EXPERIENCE
Now you know how to play blackjack, get your friends together and start planning your next (or first) Napoleons evening, whether you’re in Manchester, Bradford, Hull, Sheffield, or Leeds!
Playing blackjack for the first time at Napoleons can seem a little daunting, but our trained and friendly dealers are here to make sure you play with confidence and have a night to remember.
Don’t forget, our teams and www.gambleaware.org are always on hand to help with any gambling assistance you may need.