How to Play Pro Blackjack

If you are new to blackjack or a novice to the game, it can often be difficult to fit in and disguise that you a newbie to playing blackjack.  No worries though, as you can memorize the rules on how to play blackjack like a pro.

Typically, a table of blackjack sits seven players, as well as the dealer.  If you are looking at the table from the perspective of facing the dealer, the player on the far right is known as first base, while the player on the extreme left is known as third base.  Each player at the table has their own area, which includes a space to place bets and play the game.  The dealer has a tray for chips, which is located in front of him and is where the dealer uses to pay out the players, as well as to collect losing bets and make change.  The shoe, which is where the dealer draws and deals cards from sits to his left, while the table stakes sign sits next to the shoe.  This sign explains the table stakes (minimum and maximum bets allowed at the table).  To the dealer’s right sits the drop slot and the dealer drops any bills that are in play after exchanging the money for chips.  Next to the drop slot is the discard tray, which is where cards that are used are held until the shuffle.

When the game begins, the dealer shuffles the deck or decks and offers a cut via the cut card.  After the shuffle, the dealer loads the shoe, burns a card and begins dealing after the players place their wager or bet into the betting area.  After the players have placed their bets, the dealer deals out two cards to each player and two cards to himself.  The player’s cards are dealt face up, while the dealer gets one facing down and the other facing up.  When assessing a value to the cards, each face card (K, Q, J) is worth ten points.  Numbered cards are valued at their face (I.e. – nines are valued at nine), and an ace can be either one or eleven.

Action begins with first base and each player acts in turn.  Third base acts last and right before the dealer’s turn.  Should you want a hit, you can either tap your finger to the felt or brush the cards against the table twice.  When requesting a hit, the dealer gives you another card.  If you wish to stand or stay, simply wave your hand above your cards from left to right.

When it is the dealer’s turn to play, he must take a hit if he has less than seventeen.  Some casinos require the dealers to hit if they have a soft seventeen (a hand valued at 17 that contains an ace is known as a soft seventeen as the ace can change in value).  Others require the dealers to stand on soft seventeens.

The dealer has to play by preset rules, while players are free to decide what they want to do in each hand.  Players can decide to double down, which means they get one more card, but have to double their stakes.  Additionally, players who are dealt two of the same card (I.e. – a pair of fours) may split their hand if they so choose.  When splitting a pair, each of the cards gets their own bets and the hand plays like two separate, independent hands.  If the player is dealt a blackjack (Ace and ten/face card), they win the hand and are often paid at a higher rate than even money.