The basic rules of Blackjack are simple: your hand needs to beat the dealer’s by getting as close to 21 as possible without going bust (over 21). Each of the different Blackjack Live games will come with its own set of rules in terms of betting limits, payouts, and how many hands you can play at once.
So, we’ll take the next few moments to explain the rules and different phrases you’re likely to come across whilst playing.
Firstly, you need to understand the card values:
- Aces count as 1 or 11 points.
- Picture cards count as 10 points.
- All 2-10 cards count as their face value in points.
- A total of 21 points from two cards is the perfect scoreand is known as ‘Blackjack’.
Now, you’re ready to start. Here’s how the betting round opens up:
- Select the game you wish to play, take a place at one of the open seats and wait for the next round of betting to start.
- You will be given two cards face up; the dealer will only have one of their cards showing (the other will still be face down).
- You now have a decision to make based upon the cards that you have and the one card that the dealer is showing. Your options are as follows:
- Hit-Stand: If you Hit, you receive another card. If you Stand, you finish your go and stick with your two cards.
- Split: Only available when you are dealt a matching pair of cards. Deciding to Split creates two hands. You’ll need to double your stake to carry on playing.
- Double Down: Doubling your bet amount and receiving one more card, after which your turn is over. A hand of 7 and 4 is often a good time to Double Down.
- Insurance: Only available when the dealer has an ace showing. This allows you to take insurance which pays out if the dealer eventually hits a Blackjack 21.
- Surrender: In some situations, you are allowed to Surrender and retrieve a part of your bet back, though you can’t Surrender after you have decided to Hit.
Other Live Dealer Blackjack Phrases to Learn:
- Multi-Seat: Playing multiple hands at the same time is available on some games.
- Bet Behind: If there are no seats free at the table, you can still play by copying the decisions made by the player you ‘Bet Behind’.
Side Bets:
- Player Pair: Win the bet if you are dealt a pair of cards with matching suits, colours, and numbers all deciding the final payout.
- Dealer Pair: Exactly the same as above but in relation to the dealer’s cards.
- 21+3: If your two cards and the dealer’s first card make up a Poker hand, you win — Flush, Straight Flush, Straight, Suited Three of a Kind, Three of a Kind.
Card Dealing Styles:
- EU: Only after all the players have made their decisions can the dealer get their second card.
- US: Dealer gets the second card before the players make their decision with their own two cards.
The in-game ‘Help’ menu that comes with every one of Live Casino games is a useful place to look if you’re ever stuck with the rules or game flow. Casino.com South Africa also features a useful ‘Help’ section below. Refer to this at any time if you get stuck.
