The History of Blackjack and How to Play the Game

Blackjack is a casino game that traces its roots to the game called 21, which was first mentioned in the writing of Miguel de Cervantes in the seventeenth century. Since the origin of the game, blackjack has taken on many forms. Several variations of this game are played at numerous casinos spanning the globe, as well as on the Internet. Pontoon, Spanish 21, and blackjack switch are amongst the several varieties of blackjack games that can also trace their roots from the game of 21.

When you play blackjack, the game uses anywhere from a single deck to eight decks of cards. The game is played with a dealer, who acts on behalf of the house. The dealer is responsible for keeping the game playing smoothly within the rules and their hand is the benchmark for whether players win or lose. One can deduce that the dealer actually participates in the game, as each player is competing against the dealer to make the hand closest to twenty-one without going over.

The dealer distributes or deals two cards to each player that are facing up, so that everyone can see each of the player’s cards. The dealer receives two cards; however, one of those cards is dealt face down. Each player acts in turn on their hand, and players can hit (ask for an additional card) or stand (refuse the offer of further cards). Additionally, players may sometimes choose to split their hands when they are dealt a pair, as well as double down in situations they choose to do so. After each player acts on their hand, the dealer takes their turn. The dealer must act using specific rules that predetermine how they will play their hand. Those players who beat the dealer are paid out, while the losing players lose their bet.

The cards in the blackjack game each possess values ranging from one to eleven. Each numbered card is assigned face value, which means a card that has a four on it is valued at four points. Likewise, a ten is valued at ten. Face cards (K, Q, J) receive a value of ten, and aces are flexible or soft, as they can be valued as a one or an eleven. Should a player exceed a combined hand value of 21, they bust and automatically lose. Should the dealer bust, any player who has not busted previously in the current round is paid out as a winner. If a player is dealt exactly 21, they are often paid out at a higher rate for getting blackjack, unless the dealer is also dealt blackjack.