Are you interested in playing blackjack but don’t know how it works? This short guide to put you on the right tracks.
History of Blackjack
Blackjack, or Twenty-One, or Pontoon is a staple casino game played around the world. It’s simple to play; you just need one standard deck of 52 cards (though casinos often use multiple decks for faster gameplay). This speed has helped blackjack sustain its popularity after over 400 years of play.
Blackjack is a popular card game that historian agree likely originated in French Casinos in the early 1700s. The playing cards back then were called “Vingt-et-Un” which translated to Twenty-One, and this likely derived from ‘Chemin de Fer’ a form of baccarat which was hugely popular at that time.
Blackjack Today
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino attractions that you’re likely to see in any reputable establishment. Live Blackjack can also be found on online casinos.
When played inside of a brick-and-mortar establishment, all parties will sit around the table with dealer standing up while dealing cards, a plastic card is placed at the bottom of each deck to remind the dealer when the deck needs a reshuffle.
How to Play Blackjack
The game is simple, your hand has to beat the croupier’s by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. You place a wager before cards are dealt, the card values are:
- Ace (1 or 11) *
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- Jack (10)
- Queen (10)
- King (10)
*Ace can be high or low, it is best to check the rules before playing online as some games might only take it high.
Two cards are dealt to each player faced upwards. You have the chance to hit, stick, double down or split.
- Hit, be dealt another card.
- Stick, keep the cards you already have as your final hand.
- Double down, double your wager and be dealt one card.
- Split, only possible if you are dealt a pair; split the hand into two separate hands and continue playing with both.
Once each player has had their go, the croupier deals the houses hand. This must beat the players hand without going bust themselves. However, casinos usually have rules that the house sticks at a certain number like 18 or 19.
If a player’s score draws with that of the house this is called a push, in this case the wager is returned to the player.
The pay-outs in Blackjack are most often 1/1 meaning a £5 stake would return £10 (£5 win and £5 back). However, if you get Blackjack in your first 2 cards the pay-out will be 3/2. Blackjack or a ‘Natural’ is when a player flops an ace and a picture card (10) thus equalling 21.
Online Blackjack
Playing Blackjack online can be just as fun as in casino’s, there are many great websites offering online Blackjack in Canada for you to join. You can also play some live Blackjack by reading through our extensive offers page to find great sites now!
