21 Euro

Blackjack and Game Etiquette

The Basics In blackjack, everyone at the table is dealt two cards after putting up their bets. Single and double-deck blackjack are dealt from the dealer's hand, while multiple decks are combined and placed in a 'shoe' or container of cards, from which the dealer pulls cards. All face or picture cards count as ten and aces can count as one or 11 a hand in which an ace is counted as 11 is known as a 'soft' hand, for example, an ace and a six is called 'soft' 17. Each player competes against the dealer's hand in trying to get as close as possible to a total of 21 without exceeding it or 'busting'. The game moves clockwise around the table, with the player sat on the right as he or she faces the dealer the first to play.

After checking your cards, indicate a 'hit' for each extra card you want. When satisfied with your total, you 'stand'. After all players stand or bust, the dealer reveals and plays his or her hand, according to fixed rules. He or she must hit totals of 16 or less, and must stand on 17 or above. The rules vary if the dealer has soft 17, with some casinos requiring dealers to hit and others to stand. The players' edge is increased by 0.2 percent if it's the latter.

Once the dealer has stood or bust, hands are compared and players who beat the dealer are paid off at even money. Ties between the house and player are a 'push' and no money changes hands. Dealers indicate a push by knocking gently on the layout. If a player is dealt an ace and a ten-value card, it's considered a 'natural' blackjack and the player is paid off at three to two immediately, unless the dealer also shows an ace or ten, indicating a possible blackjack.

Etiquette

Almost all multi-deck blackjack games are dealt face up, with the crucial exception of the dealer's second card. In these games, players never touch the cards, but instead indicate hit or stand with hand motions. This reduces the potential for misunderstandings and makes it easier for disputed plays to be reviewed on security videos taped by an overhead camera. For a hit, players hold one hand palm down just above the felt and brush their fingers toward themselves. To stand, hold the hand the same way, but with fingers straight outward, and move it right and left.

Single and double-deck games are about always dealt face down, and players hold their own cards. Hitting is indicated by scratching the cards towards you on the layout, while standing is indicated by sliding the cards face down under the chips.

Though blackjack sets each player's hand against the dealer's, most players view the game as everyone against the dealer. Their goal is to make the dealer bust, which means payoffs for all players who are still in the game. These folks don't take kindly to people playing stupid like splitting tens or hitting a 14, say, against a dealer's six), especially if the offending party sits in the last seat on the left (known as 'third base'), since they feel those cards should have gone to the dealer. Don't sit at third base unless you have a good grasp of the game.