Online Blackjack Rules: A Guide to the Game's Rules

The fundamentals of playing blackjack online, along with a summary of the game's rules and some advice for players.

The fundamentals

The basic idea of blackjack is to achieve a hand value that, without going over 21 and going "bust," is closer to twenty-one than the dealer's.  You shouldn't be concerned about other players because they have no bearing on your performance. You are only playing and contrasting your hand with the dealer's hand.

The dealer must carefully adhere to the specified rules of play and is not permitted to make any decisions. Because of this, it's OK for the dealer and/or other players to see the cards you now have. In shoe games, player cards are even dealt face up. When you are first learning the game, do reveal your cards to the dealer and/or other players and ask as many questions as necessary.

What the value of the cards is in blackjack should be your first concern.  One or eleven is the value of an Ace.  The values of cards 2 through 9 are as stated. Each of the four counts ten: Jack, Queen, and King.

A hand that has an Ace in it is said to be "soft," since the Ace can count as one or eleven. For instance, it will be a soft 17 if you have a six and an Ace. This is so that you don't have to worry about drawing more cards and going "bust" by drawing more than 21. Your hand is a "hard" 17 when you draw a ten and have (Ace,6,10) since the Ace can only be a one at this point—counting it as an eleven would result in a bust.

The players will receive their cards after the wagers have been placed. 

To make sure that every player has two cards and that he has two as well, he will make two passes around the table, beginning at his left side. Next, the dealer will reveal the value of one of his cards by turning it over.  

Shoe games

Blackjack shoe games will typically deal all player cards face-up, and players are not permitted to touch the cards. Beginners would be well served by starting at the shoe game, or the online blackjack shoe game, where they can watch the maneuvers of more experienced players and not have to worry about managing the cards.  Playing blackjack for free at the online casino of your choice is an excellent additional learning resource. 

Tips for hand-held games

In the hand-held games, your cards will be dealt face down, and the players pick up the cards.  Remember that players are only allowed to touch the cards with one hand.  If you play poker and are accustomed to using both hands to handle cards, you will need to practice this blackjack move!  Additionally, remember to hold the cards above the table.

The dealer's additional cards that are dealt to your hand must remain on the table; they cannot be added to the cards you currently hold. Play begins at the first seat to the dealer's left, usually known as first base, once each player has received their cards. Every player will inform the dealer of their preferred strategy for handling their blackjack hand. The dealer will play his hand, gather up the remaining hands, and then pay out the player bets.