Blackjack

History of Blackjack

The game was probably derived from various French games such as “Chemin de Fer” and “French Ferme” which could be translated to “Iron Way” and “Firm French”. Blackjack itself originated in French casinos around 1700’s. In French it’s called “Vingt-et-Un” which translates to “Twenty-One”. The name Blackjack was fitting very well because, if a player got Blackjack (Jack of Spades or Clubs) and an Ace of Spades as the first two cards dealt to hum, the player would won an additional amount. Blackjack has been a popular game in the United States since 1800’s and continuousto be popular even today.

Object of the game

The object of Blackjack is to get a total value of cards as close to 21 as possible without going over and beat the dealer’s total. Blackjack is usually played with 6 standard decks and usually without “wild cards.” Face cards are each worth 10. Aces have a value of either 1 or 11 points; if counting the Ace as 11 would put the hand over 21, count the Ace as 1. Other cards are worth their face value.

Players can place bets by using any of the chip denominations available. When all the players have placed their bets and have chosen the “Deal” option, the game begins. It is not possible to change the bets after the game has begun. However, players can increase their bets by choosing options such as “double down”, “splits” or “insurance”.

Each player will receive 2 cards facing up. The aim of the game is to reach the number 21, or to be closer to 21 than the dealer, who is also a player. Players can opt to receive as many cards as they desire (commonly called hit), or they can choose to “stand”, or receive more cards. Blackjack itself is reached in the event of a player of a plater being dealt a 10 or a face card with an Ace. Following a Blackjack, the player gets paid 1.5 time his original bet. However, it is also possible that the dealer gets Blackjack. In that case, a tie situation occurs between the player and the dealer, the dealer then becomes a “push” and the player gets his bet back.

Another important rule is that dealers are required to hit when they have 16 or less and will stop when they have 17 or more. If the dealer decides to “push”, all players around the table are paid.

Double Down: you may double your bet during the game of Blackjack, but only after you have been dealt two cards and if their sum is 9, 10 and 11. If you choose to double down, one more card would be dealt to you. However, one cannot “hit” again after deciding to double down.

Split: splitting offers the option of breaking one hand of cards into two hands. It therefore gives you the chance to win (or lose) twice in the same game. Aces exempt, if you are dealt any pair of cards, you can choose to split the cards into two hands. Player will place a second bet equal in an amount to the first and will also be allowed to play both hands, you may take as many hits on each hand as you want. If a pair of Aces is dealt to you, you are subsequently not ineligible anymore more for Blackjack and you can only therefore get a “normal” 21. If the dealer has Blackjack, he wins, but if he reaches 21, it’s a “push”.

Insurance: If the dealer has Ace, you have the options to play “insurance”. On the line of insurance indicated on the table you can put maximum one half of your original bet. If the dealer gets Blackjack, “insurance” will be paid at ratio of 2:1. If the dealer does not get Blackjack, the insurance bet is lost and result of the game is determined in the usual way. The player cannot play the “insurance”, if the player’s hand is already a Blackjack hand.