As noted above, your goal to the game is to score a 21 or come as close as possible without going over, which is called busting. If your hand is higher than the dealer’s (who has to hit until they have at least a 17), you win. If your total is less than what the dealer has, than you lose. Of course, going over 21 on your part is a bust, and you lose instantly. Conversely, if the Dealer busts, he or she loses instantly as well. Tied hands are called a push, and result in your wager being returned with no extra winnings coming your way.
With that being said, Blackjack is a pretty simple game. Here are some terms to help you play the game.
Dealing- Depending on the type of game you are playing, the dealer will generally deal out cards face up or one up and one down to the players on the table as well as himself. This is the starting out point for all hands of Blackjack.
Blackjack- If you have a natural 21 with those first two cards (an Ace and a 10, Jack, Queen, or King), you have a Blackjack and win instantly (unless the dealer also has a natural Blackjack, in which case you push). Blackjacks usually result in a 3:2 payment, although some tables pay out 6:5.
Hit and Stand- Requesting a Hit from a dealer means you want another card. The dealer will do so when you press the hit button in the game. Standing is when you have decided you are as close as you want to be to 21 and don’t want any more hands. Standing will result in the next player going to their turn.
Double Down- If you have a hand where you think you will only need one more card and want to double your bet, you can Double Down. Doubling Down means you get one more card but get to double your money. This is especially handy when you have a 10 or 11 in your hand. You generally cannot Double Down after hitting,.
Splitting- If you end up with two identical cards, you are able to Split your hand by doubling your bet. This will allow you to get two new cards (one for each original card), where you can possibly put yourself in a better position to win.
Insurance- Insurance bets are made when the Dealer is showing an Ace in their hand. Players can put down 50% of their bet total as insurance, and if the Dealer has a Blackjack, then the original stake is not lost. Insurance is often considered to be a bad deal on behalf of the player, as it adds to the house edge.
