Every so often, in the midst of getting carried away with our love of blackjack, we remember that some of our readers may be beginners in the game and be glad of a few pointers to get started on the right track.
Being helpful types, we’re happy to get back to basics now and again, especially if it helps the online blackjack community to grow.
Here are some of the most common terms you’ll come across in blackjack…
Blackjack – The main aim of the game is to possess a hand of cards which add up to 21, or as close as possible to it, without exceeding it. Initially you are dealt two cards, then you can choose whether or not to take more. ‘Blackjack’ is when you reach 21 with your first two cards (one worth 10 and one Ace). You play against the dealer.
Bet – The amount of money in chips that you put down for each game, matched by the dealer. When playing a straightforward game, if you win, you receive all the chips. If you lose, the dealer takes them. There are variants to these outcomes, however.
Bust – This is what happens if your total exceeds 21. In short, you have lost.
Hit – The request to be dealt an additional card.
Stand – You turn down the opportunity to be dealt more cards.
Push – When you and the dealer end with the same total, making it a tie.
Surrender – You abandon your hand, but recover half of your original bet.
Why not get out there and give it a try? There are more rules, of course – but if you have the basics nailed, you can learn the rest as you play.
