Blackjack is a unique game in the casino realm – it is simple to start playing but can be very complex. The basic rules of blackjack are easy to learn, but there are strategies and betting options to understand before becoming a good blackjack player. Of course, you need to start at the beginning, so let’s take a look at the standard live dealer blackjack rules:
Step 1
Place your bets
Firstly, the game will start with you placing a bet on who will win. Move your virtual chips into the betting area, which shows how much you want to wager.
Step 2
One face up card
The human dealer will now deal out one face up card to each player and one to themselves (known as the up card).
Step 3
The dealer’s left
The dealing will now commence, starting with the player to the dealer’s left.
Step 4
Second card
The dealer will now deal a second card to all players face up. They will also deal themselves a second card, but this will be face down.
Step 5
Card values
Check the hand value of your two cards and decide your next move. There are several actions you can take.
Step 6
Blackjack
Firstly, if you hold a total of 21, you have a blackjack. This means you win.
Step 7
Another card
From the card values, choose what you want to do with your hand: ‘double down’ (double your bet and add another card to your hand), ‘hit’ (receive another card from the dealer), or ‘stand’ (stick with the two cards). Looking at the dealer’s up card will help inform your decision as you can guess the quality of their hand.
Step 8
Splitting
If your initial hand has two cards of the same value, you can ‘split’ them to make two separate hands. Each will have their own bet equal to your original bet. You can then double down, hit, or stand with each hand.
Step 9
Win or lose?
Once all the betting decisions are made, the round will play through. Potential outcomes are:
- If your hand is 21 or lower and the dealer’s hand has less value = you win.
- When your hand is 21 or lower, but the dealer’s hand is a higher value (under 21) = you lose.
- If your hand is 21 or lower and the dealer has higher than 21 (a bust) = you win.
- If you go higher than 21 and bust = you lose.
- Both you and the dealer have the same hand value (a push) = returned bet.
Objective of live dealer blackjack
If the dealer’s cards add up to 16 or fewer, they must hit. Therefore, a value of 17 or more means the dealer must stand. Because blackjack is a card counting game, knowing the card values is essential. This information can help you make the correct decisions when betting. Each card contributes to the overall goal of creating a hand that is less than or equal to 21. That is why we recommend knowing the card values of live dealer blackjack when you start playing.