Besides slots, the next easy-to-learn games at online casinos are table games. Among table games, some are easier than others including blackjack. 

Blackjack is also known as 21 because the goal of the game is to not exceed 21. Once you exceed 21, it is called a “bust” which means you lose. If you hit 21, you automatically win unless the dealer hits the same. 

In this article, you will learn about the card values, game flow and possibilities.

Card values

There are three categories of card values you need to understand as a beginner blackjack player. These are the numbered cards, the face cards and the ace.

The numbered cards’ value is the same as the face value. For example, an 8 of diamonds is equal to 8 points. 

Face cards are the Jacks, Queens and Kings. Their value is 10 regardless of suit. 

Finally, the Ace is the strongest card in blackjack. It can have a value of either 1 or 11.

Game flow

The game flow has five actions that the game follows. 

Betting

Before the cards are dealt by the dealer, all players at the table must place their bets. If you are playing at a land casino, you place chips on the designated area of the table.

Dealing

Once the bets are placed, the dealer distributes the initial two cards to each player and themself. The two cards distributed to the players are served face up while the cards dealt to the dealer have one card face up and the other face down.

Player actions

Players can choose from five actions depending on how they feel about the hand they have been dealt. They may choose to hit, stand, double down, split or surrender. 

Dealer’s actions

Once all players have revealed their hands, the dealer reveals the face-down card. The hands of everyone at the table are compared to determine who the winner is. 

Payouts settled

Finally, once the winner is determined, the payouts are settled. After payouts are settled, new bets can be placed and the same process starts again. 

Possibilities 

There are seven outcomes every beginner should be aware of when playing blackjack. They are:

• Betting which will have a different minimum and maximum limit for different tables. 

• Shuffle and cut where the cards are prepared by mixing them for fairness. Once shuffled, they are cut by a player inserting the cut card to show the dealer where they stop dealing. 

• Dealing happens by players placing their bets, cards being distributed, players’ actions, dealer’s actions and hand comparison. 

• Hit or stand are two options where a player can choose “hit” which adds a card while “stand” means a player remains with the current hand. 

• Splitting divides a player’s hand into two separate hands. Each hand is independent of the other and an additional card is added to each hand. 

• Double down increases the initial bet by 100% for an additional card.

• Reshuffling mixes the deck again when a specific number of rounds or a condition is met. 

• Insurance is an optional side bet that can be used when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. it reduces the value of the bet by half.

• Payouts are determined by the outcome of the game which covers the winning hand, blackjack/natural and push/tie.

Conclusion

Beginners who want to make the best of blackjack should pay attention to the game flow which includes dealing, betting and payouts being settled. Additionally, understanding the possibilities ensures informed bets for a pleasant betting experience.