Understanding the Basics of Blackjack: Online Blackjack is a fast and fun game, but there are some basics to understand. Read on our explanation of basics of blackjack strategy below.

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When it comes to learning how to play blackjack, 21 is what you should focus on for a win. Players play against the dealer and try to create hands out of their cards that are as close to 21 in value as possible, without going over 21.

The hand value is calculated based on the face-value of the cards but the Ace can be counted as a one or an eleven depending on what is needed to get to 21. All face cards have a value of 10.

To start off the game, you put down your bet before cards are dealt and then you get two cards and the dealer has two cards.

One of the dealer’s cards is face up and one is face down. The key is the dealer’s face-down card, or hole card. This one remains face down throughout your bet.

You then make a decision about how to play based on the hand you have and the dealer’s face-up card. Once you decide to stand, or stop taking more cards, the dealer has to reveal his hole card. If his hand is 17 or more, he stands. If his hand is 16 or less then he has to hit, or take more cards. Sometimes a casino allows the dealer to hit on a soft 17.

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If your first two cards total 21, then you have blackjack. You win, unless the dealer also has blackjack. In that instance it’s considered a “push”, or tie. If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, then the player can make an “insurance bet” to guard against the risk that the dealer holds a blackjack.

The insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer’s hand is a blackjack. The dealer with blackjack wins except the player’s hand that also has a blackjack. You can double your bet after the first two cards have been dealt.

Some of the casinos allow doubling only on a total of 9, 10, or 11 though some others allow doubling on any hand. After doubling down, the player will get only one more card. If you have a pair you may split it, and play them independently.

The original bet will go with one card and an equal amount will be added to the new hand. Playing blackjack can be lots of fun but you have to take some time at the beginning to learn the plays and the game.

Test it out in a free casino and see how much fun the game can be and then test your luck for real!