How to Play Blackjack: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in casinos worldwide, and for good reason. It’s fast and straightforward. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through how to play blackjack. 

Let’s break it down in a clear and beginner-friendly way. No jargon, no pressure; just the essentials you need to start understanding how to play, including the versions available at Genting Casino. We’ll be going through the following points:

• The Aim of the Game
• Card Values in Blackjack
• How a Round Works: Step-by-Step
• What Is a Blackjack Hand?
• Responsible Blackjack Gameplay

The Aim of the Game

In blackjack, your goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. 

• If your hand totals more than 21, it’s a bust and you lose the round.
• If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win.
• If both hands are equal, it’s a push or a tie. You get your wager back.

This online casino game is usually played with one to eight standard 52-card decks.

Card Values in Blackjack

Let’s start with what your cards are actually worth:

• Number cards are worth their face value.
• Face cards are worth 10 points.
• Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever benefits your hand the most.

For example, a hand with an Ace and a 7 may be worth either 8 or 18. This may be called a “soft 18.”

How a Round Works: Step-by-Step

1. Place your bet. Choose how much you want to wager.
2. Cards are dealt. 
• You get two face-up cards. The dealer may get one face-up and another face-down.
3. Player’s turn. You may decide how to play your hand. The options may include:
• Hit: Take another card.
• Stand: Keep your current total.
• Double Down: Double your wager and take one final card.
• Split: If you have a pair, you may split them into two hands.
• Surrender: In some versions, players may choose to give up half their wager and end the hand.
4. Dealer’s turn. The live dealer reveals their cards and draws until they reach at least 17.
5. Outcome.
• The best hand, which is the closest to 21, will win the round.

Availability of actions such as splitting or surrendering may vary by table or operator.

What Is a Blackjack Hand?

A “blackjack” is a two-card hand that totals exactly 21, which may typically be an Ace and a 10-value card. It beats all other hands and usually pays out 3:2; except in cases where both the player and dealer are dealt blackjack, resulting in a push.

Responsible Blackjack Gameplay

While blackjack gameplay does involve some skill-based play, outcomes are never guaranteed and these are still random; much like any other casino game. That’s why it’s important to: 

• Set a time limit and a budget; and stick to these.
• Never chance losses by gambling more.
• Take breaks and play for entertainment, never for profit.

If you need support, you may visit GambleAware or sign up at GAMSTOP for free self-exclusion tools.

Final Thoughts

Blackjack is one of the most well-known card games out there. With just a bit of know-how, you may enjoy every round at your preferred casino.

Whether you’re joining a table for the first time, or brushing up on the how-to of blackjack, remember: it’s not about winning, it’s about enjoying the game and playing responsibly.

Check out the full range of blackjack games at Genting Casino.

The house will always have an edge. Never try to recover losses by gambling more. Blackjack is a game of chance and wins are never guaranteed. Always play responsibly and within your means.