Traditionally, blackjack is played with a conventional 52 card deck. Blackjack players have the goal of drawing a hand with a value higher than the dealer’s without going over 21. Players are allowed to increase their initial bets if there are many aces in the deck. Players also have the option of taking insurance, which is a side bet on the dealer’s hand. The player loses the initial bet, but gets paid at twice the amount of the bet if the dealer’s hand beats their own.
Blackjack is also a single player game, but in some casinos, there are two or more players at a single table. There are several variations of blackjack. These include mini blackjack, single player multi hand, multi player multi hand, and multiple deck games. Some casinos have specific rules about splitting ten value cards. Some allow players to split only if they have a pair of the same rank.
In single player multi hand games, players can split their hands into two or more separate hands, if they receive a pair of cards of the same rank. These hands are played from left to right, one at a time. Often, players are not allowed to double after splitting, but they can double after receiving a pair of cards that do not match. Some casinos have strict rules about splitting Aces, but they allow players to split 10-value cards if they do not match.
If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, the player’s hand is automatically lost, and the dealer wins. The dealer is required to hit if the dealer’s hand is 16 or lower, and must stand if it is 17 or higher.
Players can also take insurance if they think the dealer’s card will be a natural or blackjack. The insurance bet costs half of the original bet and pays at twice the original bet if the dealer’s hand is natural or blackjack.
When the dealer shows a card that is an ace, the player is allowed to place an insurance bet on the dealer’s hole card, or jack. This bet is paid at two to one, but has less than a one percent chance of paying.
Blackjack can also be played with a single deck of cards. Players will take turns being the dealer and the turn to deal can occur every five hands. This is known as Wonging, after Blackjack author Stanford Wong. Wonging is not without its drawbacks, though. The casino may also know of a player’s Wonging strategy. In some cases, the dealer will wait until the next hand to deal a card, or until he or she has a favourable deck.
Some casinos also allow players to surrender if their second card does not result in a blackjack. This option is not offered if the player does not have sufficient money in the account to cover the bet. The player may discontinue play, or he or she can continue playing, but loses half the bet.