So you're arrive at the casino
and you're interested in trying out
for the first time. As you approach the table -
there are usually loads on the main floor or, if you're
playing online, you'll see the appropriate logo/button
right away - you'll notice that there is one dealer and,
generally speaking, around 1 to 5 players seated in front
of him/her. Before the dealer begins dealing, players
set their bets down on the table. Depending on the table
at which you're playing, these can range from a $1 minimum
to a $500 maximum. Don't worry though - minimum and maximum
bets are generally very clearly indicated at the table.
Players can make bets with any of the chip denominations
available. Once all of the participants have placed
their bets and selected the `Deal' option, the game
is then underway. After it has begun, it is not possible
to change bets. However, players are able to increase
the amount of their bet by choosing options such as
double down, splits, or insurance.
Basics
Each player competes one-on-one with the dealer. The
goal is to have a hand which totals 21, or beats the
dealer's hand by coming as close to 21 as possible without
going over, or "busting." If your first two
cards are an ace and a ten, that's a ``
or "a natural" 21 and this will pay 1.5 times
the original bet. This, in fact, always beats a hand
that totals 21 by adding the values of more than the
first two cards.
A face card is counted as 10 while cards from 2-10
are counted at their face value, and an ace can be counted
as either 1 or 11. A "hard hand" is a hand
that does not contain an ace or contains an ace that
can only be counted as 1 so as not to bust. A dealer's
ace always counts as 11.
Each player receives 2 cards and the aim is to reach
the number 21 with your cards, or to be closer to 21
than the dealer, who of course is also a playing. Players
can receive as many cards as they wish (this is achieved
by "hitting"), or they can choose to "stand"
and receive no more cards. When a tie occurs between
the player and the dealer, the hand becomes a "push"
and the player keeps his bet. Generally speaking, dealers
are required to hit when they have 16 or less, and will
stop when they have 17 or more.
During the course of play, aside from deciding whether
to 'hit' or 'stand', players have other choices to make
during particular situations. This includes:
'Doubling down' - Players may double
your bet during a game, but only after they've been
dealt two cards. If you choose to double down at that
point, you receive one more card and one more card only.
You cannot hit again after deciding to double down.
Split - splitting offers the choice
of breaking one hand of cards into two. It provideds
the chance to win (or lose) twice in the same game.
Aces exempt, any pair of cards can be split into two
hands. This will result in a second bet equal to the
first, and also allow you to play both hands on an individual
basis. Once you have split your hand into two, you may
take as many hits on each hand as you want. If a pair
of aces is dealt to you, you can only get a "normal"
21.
Insurance - if the deal shows an ace,
you can opt to "insure yourself", in the case
that the dealer has a 10 or a face card concealed. If
indeed the dealer's card is a 10 or a face card, you
get your insurance bet back, and get paid at 2-1 odds.
However, if the dealer has a card that's not a 10 or
a face card, you lose your insurance bet.
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