How to Play Beginner's Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the easier casino games to learn, and has a great house edge. You don't have to be a gambling expert to pick it up, nor in order to win.
All you need is some simple guidance as to how to play the game. Use this step-by-step guide for a first try at Blackjack. By following the rules and recommendations outlined, you will be able to learn enough in just a few rounds to play on your own.
Topics Addressed
- Step-by-step guide to Blackjack for beginners
Previously Required Knowledge
Put simply - none. Blackjack is a game of skill that must be acquired through experience. In any case, it can only take you so far, as luck plays a big role in the game. The instructions are very straight forward, and by playing accordingly you will come to understand their meaning. Playing Blackjack is a matter of jumping into deep water, so don't be afraid to give it a go if you've never held a playing card before.
Instructions
Step One
Understand the object of the game; your aim is to obtain a hand that is worth 21 points, but does not exceed it. Each player is dealt with an initial 2 cards, and according to what he/she receives must decide whether to hit (take another in order to get closer to 21), or stand (you are satisfied with your hand value). If your hand value is closer to 21 than the dealer's you win. If not, or if you surpass 21, you bust (lose).
Step Two
Choose an online Blackjack game and click on "play" or "start". Once you have entered the "room", you will notice that you are facing a green felted table. You begin game play by placing a bet. User-friendly games will have a voice-over that will tell you to and indicate where to press. If not, it is usually a case of clicking on the chips closest to you and dragging them to the table. If you are playing for real cash, start low. Once you have placed you bet, click on the "deal" icon.
Step Three
You and the dealer will be dealt 2 cards each. Your hand value will be displayed next to the cards. So you understand, cards 2-9 are worth their face value, Jack, Queen and King are worth 10, and Ace can be worth 10 or 1 depending on what suits you best. In most cases, here's what you should decide:
- If your hand is worth 17 points or more, stand.
- If your hand is worth 16 points with two 8's, Split (this means splitting your cards so that one of them you will begin the next round with).
- If your hand is worth 13 to 16 points, and the dealer's up card is worth more than 6, hit.
- If your hand is worth 13 to 16 points and the dealer's up card is worth less than 2-6, stand.
- If your hand is worth 12 points, hit only if the dealer's up card is worth 2, 3, 7, or above.
- If your hand is worth 12 points, stand only if the dealer's up card is worth 4, 5, or 6.
- If you have a hand that is worth less than 12, hit.
Hitting, Standing, and splitting, is done by clicking on the icons that will appear "under" or next to the table. Make sure you learn careful what icon is what, so that you don't press the wrong thing by mistake! Hit until you reach either 17 or a number closer to 21 that you are satisfied with. As soon as you are, click "stand". The results will be shown on the screen.
Step Four
If you win, you will receive your winnings as chips, and the rate will depend on what the casino has determined. Your available funds will be presented to you in an icon usually to the left of the screen. When wagering real money, there is an icon called "cash out" (or something similar) used for cashing in your chips. Play as much as you like, or as much as you can afford.
Step Five
If you are playing for real money, make sure that when you decide to leave, you do so in the right way so as not to loose your funds. You should first cash out, and then sign out or "exit" as indicated by the software.
Tips
Checking out the software layout/preview before actually playing - each one is different and you don't want to be pressing the wrong things if you're wagering real money. This can usually be found in the online casino in it's own area or next to the download icon.
Even though you maintain an element of skill, luck plays a big part and can change the outcome of your gaming decisions. Therefore the advice provided can only be based on probability, and should not be expected to achieve results each time you play.
If you're wagering real money, we advise that you start with small sums as a beginner gambler.
