Blackjack Basics and the Blackjack Table

Overview of Blackjack

Blackjack or 21 is one of the most loved games in the world. This is perhaps due to its apparently simple nature. In blackjack you play head to head against the dealer and whoever scores 21 or closest to it wins the game. But looks can be deceiving, and the reality is blackjack is one of the most advanced games in the world. It is a favorite among professional gamblers since it is one of the very few games that can be won through skill and strategy.

The Blackjack Table Layout

A blackjack table is good for usually around five to seven players. On the table's surface you will see the minimum and maximum bets allowed on that table. Each player's seat has a circle in front of it; this is where bets are placed. The dealer may be male or female and will be standing behind the table. His or her task is to deal the cards to the players (if there is more than one), to collect losing bets and to pay out winning players.

Buying Into a Blackjack Table

Before you can play at a blackjack table. you need to buy in to that table. There is a minimum buy-in for each table. The more money you buy in with, the more comfortable you will be playing especially if you plan on playing long term using blackjack strategy. When you buy in, lay your money on the side and not on the betting circle. The dealer will attend to it in time and give you your chips. This is assuming you are not bringing in chips that you've won from other games in that same casino visit.

Betting and Dealing in a Blackjack Table

To make your bets, just place your chips in the betting circle in front of you. The dealer will now shuffle the cards (if it's time for a shuffle-they don't do it before each hand) and at some point ask one of the players to insert the cut card somewhere in the deck; the dealer will then cut the deck from that place. The dealer will then deal cards to each player one card from the top of the deck. This goes on until everyone receives two cards each. The dealer also receives cards, the second one being a hole card or hidden card. All other cards are dealt face up. Players are not allowed to touch the cards.

In some blackjack tables, players are allowed to touch their cards. They are dealt their cards face down instead of up. Each player may then hold his or her hand (the two cards) above the table if they wish to. However the cards must never leave the table or be hidden away. When you hold your cards, make sure the dealer can see them. This is to protect the integrity of the playing cards.

Dealer vs. Players

The dealer plays against all the players individually; this means the dealer resolves his or her hand against each player independently of the others. If the dealer has a 20 for example, and one player has a natural 21, another has a 22 and the other has a 20, then the dealer will pay out 3 to 2 to the first player, collect from the second player, and return the bet of the third.