As one of the most popular casino games in the world, blackjack offers a number of advantages that other casino games simply can't match. For starters, it's a very player friendly game, allowing a player to change his risk while in the middle of a game, and offering him a house limit that varies according to his skill level.

The rules of blackjack are also simple, and relatively uncomplicated. In blackjack, the basic rule is that you have to achieve a hand value that's closer to 21, than the dealer's hand. However, your hand value can not exceed 21. If your hand value is greater than 21, you lose the game. A hand value above 21 in blackjack terminology is called getting "busted."

Each card has it's own value: face cards count as 10, cards from 2-10 are counted as their numeric value. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11 according to the total value of cards that you have. For example if you have the value of 11 or more in your hand and you get ace from the dealer - the ace will be counted as 1 because a value of 11 will get you "busted". If you have a hand value of 10 or lower - an ace will count as 11.

This is a game that's played between the dealer and you. The other players and their hand values are not your concern. Another blackjack rule that makes it stand apart from other casino games is that the dealer has no decisions that are left up to him. His role is clearly defined, and he has to play his hand by the exact rules of the game. In most blackjack rules, a blackjack dealer must draw his cards until the value is 17 - he cannot hold out for another value. He must stand as soon as he reaches that value.

Once the wagers have been made, the dealer begins dealing out the cards. He will begin dealing the cards from the player to his left. Each player will be given two cards. The dealer will also deal himself two cards. One of these cards will be placed face up, while the other is placed face down. This secret card will only be revealed at the end of the round. The player's cards will be dealt face down.

Once you have been dealt the cards, you have to decide how you're going to play them. There are two ways you can play your cards. You can either choose to receive another card in which case the dealer will deal you another card, or you can choose to stick with the hand total that you have, and simply retain the cards that you already have.

How you do this is by signifying HIT or STAND.


Hit

Choosing HIT will make the dealer deal you another card to add to the ones that you have. These cards will be added to your hand value. If by chance your hand value exceeds 21, the dealer will close your hand, and collect your wager.


Stand

If you choose to STAND you will not be dealt a new card by the dealer. You will have to play the game with the hand value that you currently own against the dealer.

In case that the dealer and the player have the same value of cards - no one wins and the player keeps his bet.

While Hit and Stand are the most common decisions made by players, if you can find a game that offers Surrender, you can use it to fold your hand at half the cost of the wager. However if you chose to Surrender, you must do it before you play any of your cards. Once you have drawn a third card or double down, you're not allowed to surrender.


Surrender

There are two varieties of surrender - early and late. Early surrender gives many advantages to the player - you can choose to surrender before the dealer deals his blackjack, allowing you a cheaper route out of the game if the dealer does happen to have a blackjack. Because this is so advantageous to a player, early surrender is rarely offered. In late surrender, the dealer will check for his blackjack first, and only then, will allow the players to surrender. Late surrender is a more appropriate decision to make.


Double Down

The Doubling Down option can also be a smart and profitable move to make. What happens here is that you double your bet, and receive an additional card for your hand. This is particularly useful when you have a good chance of winning the hand by drawing just one additional card, and therefore you can easily up your winnings by increasing the bet.


Split

Blackjack also allows you to split your hand in the event you have a matching pair of cards. After splitting you play two separate games (each one on the separate and equal bet) at the same time. You can split any pair of cards, except the aces. For instance, if you get dealt a pair of eights leading to a total of sixteen, the chances of busting are quite high. In a situation like this you're allowed to split your hands and make as many hits on each hand as you want. Play each hand independently, until you're satisfied.


Insurance

If your dealer has a face up card that is an ace value, then the player will be offered a chance to purchase insurance. To make an insurance bet, make a bet of half of your original bet amount. If the dealer has a blackjack underneath his ace, you get your insurance bet back, and get paid at 2-1 odds. This is the reason why this is called insurance, because it protects your bet from the dealer's blackjack. If on the other hand, your dealer does not possess a blackjack, you lose the insurance bet, and you will also be required to pay the original wager amount.