| Online blackjack or "21", as it is commonly known, | | | | Queen and King are all valued at 10. |
| is by far the most popular card game offered in | | | | So as an example, if a player is dealt an Ace and |
| virtual casino establishments. This page will tell you | | | | a 5, the value of the hand would be 16 (ace = 11 |
| what you need to know to get started. | | | | and 5 =5), if the next card dealt to the player is 9 |
| The idea of online blackjack is simply that you | | | | the value of the hand would be 15, the ace now |
| want to have a hand value that is closer to 21 | | | | equalling 1 not 11. |
| than that of the dealer, without going over 21. | | | | If the hand is equal to 21 exactly, this is referred |
| Other players at the table are not playing against | | | | to as blackjack. |
| each other; every player plays against the dealer, | | | | The game begins by each player at the table |
| so your hand is strictly played out against the | | | | being dealt 2 cards and the dealer drawing two |
| hand of the dealer. | | | | cards. The dealer will then display the value on |
| In casino blackjack the dealer's parameters of | | | | one of his cards. |
| play are strictly set out, meaning that the dealer | | | | Each player has an option of drawing another card |
| does not need to make any decisions regarding | | | | (hitting), keeping their hand as is (standing) and, |
| his strategy. Basically an example of a strategy a | | | | depending on the cards, they could choose from |
| blackjack dealer would have is to keep drawing a | | | | some more advanced betting options such as |
| card until he has a hand of 17 or more - this is | | | | doubling up or splitting. |
| often described as 'Dealer stands on 17'. | | | | Without getting into the advanced side of |
| The value of the cards: | | | | blackjack you could easily make big profits from |
| In blackjack an ace counts a either 1 or 11, cards | | | | this game... |
| from 2 to 9 are valued as shown and 10, Jack, | | | | |