Rules & Strategies - Black Jack

Note: rules vary from casino to casino. Check with your casino for their rules.

The Game

Blackjack is a game where the player competes against the dealer. This game follows the standard rules of the Nevada Gaming Commission, and uses a multi-deck shoe that is shuffled after each round. Your goal is to draw cards (i.e., "Hit") until your hand adds up to, or is close to 21, without exceeding 21. You may draw up to 7 cards and must then stand. If your first two cards total 21, you have Blackjack.

How to Play

When the total value of your cards is closer to 21 than the dealer's, you win an amount equal to your bet. If you have Blackjack, you win 3-to-2 times your bet (assuming the dealer does not also have blackjack). All cards have the value that they display, all face cards have a value of 10, and Aces have a value of either 1 or 11. If the total of your cards exceeds 21, you "bust" and lose your bet. If you have the same total as the dealer, no one wins and your stake is returned ("push"). A Blackjack beats a score of 21.

To exit the game you must play out the hand you have been dealt, then click the EXIT button (located at the lower-right of the screen). You will then exit the game and return to the main menu.

Splitting

When your first two cards are of equal value, you may split them into two separate hands. To create the second hand, click the Split button. A bet of equal value on will be placed on the second hand. You then draw cards as usual. When you split two Aces, you get only one additional card for each hand. When you split two Aces and one of your hands totals 21, it is not considered Blackjack, but "21". You may not split a split hand.

Doubling Down

When you have been dealt two cards that total 9, 10, or 11, you will be given the option to double down. By clicking Double Down your bet is doubled and you receive only one additional card. You may double down after splitting your hand.

Insurance

Insurance is made available only when the dealer's up card is an Ace. The insurance is against the dealer having a Blackjack. The cost of insurance is half your initial bet. If the dealer has a Blackjack, the insurance pays 2-to-1 of your initial bet. If you bought insurance, and the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose your insurance. The bet is then settled by comparing your cards with the dealer's. Should you and the dealer both have Blackjack, the game results in a push.

Dealer Rules

The dealer must draw until a minimum total of 17 is obtained, and must stand at 17 or higher (including Soft 17's).

Betting

To place a bet left-click the desired chip, then click with the left mouse button. The selected chip will appear in the betting box on the Blackjack table. You can reclaim a wagered chip before the game begins by clicking on the chip with the right mouse button. After placing a bet, you can add or subtract from it by clicking in the betting box on the Blackjack table. If you click in the betting area instead of clicking on a chip, you will bet an amount equal to your last bet.

Betting Limits

The minimum wager in Blackjack is $1, and the maximum wager is $500.

Winnings

Game Result	Pays
Player Winning Hand	1 to 1
Insurance Pays	2 to 1
Player Blackjack	3 to 2