Learn how to play blackjack 21: master the rules and place your bets.

Blackjack, a highly favored casino game among South Africans, can be easily accessed on online casinos. This platform offers a comprehensive guide to the rules of the original version, as well as its various variants, enabling players to learn how to engage in online blackjack.

The objective of the game Blackjack 21 is...

Blackjack, commonly referred to as blackjack 21, is a highly recognized casino card game worldwide. Found in virtually every online casino, this game has gained immense popularity. It stands out as one of the few casino games where players possess an advantage over the dealer. With a house edge of around 5%, blackjack allows players to potentially win substantial amounts of money, provided they adhere to the rules.

To achieve optimal outcomes at the tables, you can also explore techniques for playing 21 by examining the tactics of blackjack and other online card games, in addition to honing your skills through free blackjack practice sessions.

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Once all the players at the table have received their cards, they will have the opportunity to select from the following options. Prior to making your decision, it is crucial to assess the dealer's face-up card in order to assist you in making a successful choice.

• Requesting more cards (hit): Players usually request more cards if they have a hand totaling 11 or less. To indicate that you want more cards, simply tap the table in front of your hand. Players can request as many cards as they want, as long as it doesn't exceed the total value of 21.

• Stay: If you're content with your bet, simply signal the dealer that you'll stand by your cards. Typically, players keep their cards when they have a sum of 16 to 21.

• Double down: When the player has a good hand, they will have the opportunity to double down, receiving only one additional card. To indicate to the dealer that you want to double down, simply place the bet next to the initial one. After receiving the card, the player cannot request any more cards, and it will be the dealer's turn to act.

• Splitting a pair: If the player's first two cards are the same, they can split them and play two separate hands. To signal the dealer that you want to split, place the same bet value outside the betting box, and then the dealer will split your pair, allowing you to play the two hands separately.

• Abandon (surrender): the player forfeits half of their bet and keeps the other half, but does not play their hand. This gaming action is only an option after receiving the two initial cards. However, remember that many casinos do not offer this option at blackjack tables.

• Insurance: you have the option to request insurance if the dealer has a blackjack. If the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, they will offer insurance to the players at the table. You accept the insurance bet with half of your original bet. If the dealer does have a blackjack, you win and the payout for this bet is 2:1. In this case, it is important to note that this would be a poor bet and should be avoided.

How to count cards in 21

How to skillfully play blackjack with card counting? The moment you receive your cards and the dealer reveals one of their own cards to the players, it is time to count the cards in 21. When you assess the value of the cards in your hand, you will be able to make the decision to request additional cards, stop, double down, or split.

It is crucial for you to be aware that the most formidable hand in the game is the Ace hand, just like any card worth 10 (jacks, queens, kings, or the very 10 itself). Grasp the art of card counting in 21 to make the most informed decisions and strive for favorable outcomes at the gaming table.

Blackjack 21 rules

Once all bets have been placed, the dealer will reveal their second card (hole card), ultimately unveiling the outcome of the game. In the event that the dealer's card total is 16 or below, they will draw an additional card.

At this juncture, the outcome of the blackjack game will be determined, and payouts will be issued accordingly. The victorious wager in blackjack hinges on the conditions outlined below, in accordance with the rules of 21: - The hand with a total closest to 21, without exceeding it, is deemed the winner. - If both the dealer and the player have hands totaling 21, it results in a push, and the player's bet is returned. - In the event that the player's hand exceeds 21 ("busts"), the bet is relinquished to the house. - Should the dealer bust while the player does not, the player's bet is paid out. - Achieving a blackjack, which is an Ace and a 10-value card, results in an immediate payout of 3:2. - If the dealer also has a blackjack, it results in a push, and the player's bet is returned. - Surrendering is an option where the player can forfeit half of their bet after the initial deal, but before taking any additional cards. - Insurance is available when the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, allowing the player to make a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer indeed has a blackjack. - Doubling down enables the player to double their initial bet after seeing their first two cards, with the caveat of only receiving one additional card. - Splitting pairs is possible when the player's initial two cards are of equal value, allowing them to create two separate hands by splitting the pair and making an additional bet. - Taking insurance, doubling down, and splitting pairs are all optional and subject to the specific rules of the blackjack variant being played. Please note that these conditions may vary depending on the specific casino or online platform offering the blackjack game.

Payments for bets are made according to the rules of 21, meaning that if the participant beats the dealer's hand, they will receive double the bet, as long as they have a total of 21 or lower. Winning bets are worth 1 - 1 (one to one), unless the player wins a blackjack, which pays 1.5 - 1 (one and a half to one).

How to play blackjack following the rules – Watch the video!

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Blackjack variants

Most online casinos provide the classic game of blackjack along with several modern and innovative variations. It's crucial to grasp the rules of traditional 21 before delving into the other variants. Discover below how to play blackjack and the key rules that set each variation apart.

Blackjack Switch/Troca

The rules of Blackjack Switch derive from the classic game, yet incorporate certain variations such as:

• In this variant, typically 6 to 8 decks are used.
• Each player must place two equal bets; one for each hand dealt by the dealer.
• The dealer distributes two hands instead of just one, which are dealt face up.
• Assuming the dealer has a natural blackjack, all other players lose. However, if the player has a natural blackjack, it will result in a tie.
• Players are allowed to perform a classic maneuver, known as swapping the cards between their hands, if they wish to do so. Please note that this maneuver only applies to the second card that was dealt to the player.
• A player has the option to double down on any 2 cards.
• A player is also allowed to double down after a split.
• A player can choose to split again, up to four hands.
• If a player has a natural blackjack, the bet will pay 1:1.
• Assuming the dealer gets a 22, this will result in a tie against any player with a total of 21 or less. However, a player with a blackjack will win, even if the dealer has a 22.

Blackjack Free Bet

In this version, players are not required to risk their own money when splitting or doubling down. The payout for a natural blackjack is 3:2, and the house edge is relatively low at 1.02%. With this variant, players can enjoy the game without worrying too much about losing a significant amount of money. It provides a more favorable opportunity to enhance their Blackjack experience and potentially increase their winnings. The reduced house edge adds an extra level of excitement and challenge to the game, making it even more enticing for players. So, if you're looking for a Blackjack variant that offers a fair and thrilling gameplay experience, this is definitely one to consider.

• The game is based on the original version of blackjack where 6 decks are used.
• You are only allowed to double down on two cards. Doubling down after splitting is also permitted.
• You have the option to re-split pairs of up to four hands that include aces.
• Just like its classic 21 counterpart, the Free Bet doesn't provide a "surrender" option.
• In this variation, you have the option of "Free Doubles" on the "hard" totals of two cards that have a total score of 9, 10, or 11. With a "free double," your original bet will be matched, using the "free bet" button. You will automatically receive an additional card. Additionally, you can still double regular two-card hands.

At the end of the game:

• If the dealer wins, the player will only lose their original bet.
• If a tie occurs, the player will receive their original bet back.
• On the other hand, if the player wins, they will receive their original bet plus the winnings, which are equal to double their original bet.
• Players can split all pairs except for pairs of 10s. As for the "Free Split," their cards will be divided into two hands, with one card each.
• During the game, the player's original bet is placed together with the first hand, and a "Free Bet" button is placed alongside the second hand. The player can play one hand at a time. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to make a "Free Double" or a "Free Split" on both hands. In cases where you manage to win, the "Free Bet" button will be replaced with real chips, equal to your original bet. On the other hand, in cases where you lose or tie, the dealer will take back the "Free Bet" button.
• Assuming the dealer scores a 22, this will result in a tie. However, if the player has a 21 or less, in this particular situation, their bet will result in a tie.

Blackjack Pontoon - The Australian Version

Pontoon, the British variation of the classic blackjack 21, is widely played across the globe, with its origins hailing from the United Kingdom. Its popularity knows no bounds, particularly in Australia. A noteworthy aspect of Pontoon is that its house edge is typically approximately one-third lower compared to other variations.

• This variant uses 4 to 8 decks. Each deck consists of 48 cards instead of 52. What is evident in this game is that there are four fewer 10s. Therefore, this game favors the dealer more than the player. In Pontoon, players usually receive large bonuses and the rules are much more favorable than those of classic blackjack, as their odds are much more disadvantageous.
• Pontoon players are allowed to perform the moves of the classic variation of the game, such as "Hit" (requesting another card), "Stand/Stay" (stop/stay), "Split" (dividing), and "Buy/Double" (purchase/double). However, these maneuvers are referred to using different terms. These terms include:
  • Twist (hit): opt for this maneuver when you desire to be dealt an additional card by the dealer.
  • Stick (stay): this maneuver should be utilized when you prefer the dealer to refrain from dealing additional cards to you.
  • Buy (doubling your wager): you should choose to employ this tactic when you desire to double your bet.
  • If you end up with 2 identical cards, you should split them into two separate hands. Whenever you choose this option, you will be required to place an additional bet, equal to your original bet.
• The best hand in the game is Pontoon itself, with 21 points, consisting of 2 cards. These should be an Ace and a 10/Jack/Queen/King. The second best hand, after "Pontoon", is the "Five Card Trick", which consists of 5 cards with a total of 21 points or less. Any hand with 3 to 4 cards, totaling 21 points, beats all others except for Pontoon or Five Card Trick. Furthermore, while hands with a total less than 21 are ranked in order of their values, "Busted" hands (those that exceed 21 points) are considered worthless.
• After placing an initial bet, the banker then flips one card face down and another face up. The player can look at their cards, but the dealer does not have permission to do so.
• Throughout this variation of the game, you are allowed to double your bet. However, please be aware that you can only double on numbers 9 to 11. Nevertheless, if you choose to double on a "Soft" hand, the Ace will be forced to count as 1. Additionally, you are also permitted to "Buy" after splitting in Pontoon.
• While playing Pontoon, you will have the option to make a "Late Surrender." If the dealer has a 10 or an Ace facing up, a marker indicating "Surrender" will be placed on your bet. If the dealer gets a blackjack, the player will lose their entire bet.
• In Pontoon, you'll also have the ability to "surrender" after making a purchase. This move is known as "Double Down Rescue". In this scenario, the player would be required to lose their original bet. The surrender would then be immediately judged, in this case, it's like an early resignation, an "Early Surrender".
• In terms of payments, a "5-card - 21" hand pays 3:2, a "6-card - 21" hand pays 2:1, and a "7 (or more) card - 21" hand pays 3:1. However, bonuses would not be paid if you chose to "buy" and double your bet. In cases where a mixed suit 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 is obtained, this combination will pay 3:2. If the cards are all of the same suit, you will receive a payment of 2:1, except for the cards with a spade suit which pay 3:1.
• 777 cards of the same suit, when a dealer has a face-up 7, will pay $1000 for bets of $5-$24 and $5000 for bets of $25 or more. Additionally, all other players will receive an "Envy Bonus" of $50. However, this does not pay after doubling or splitting.

Blackjack Spanish – 21 Espanhol

Spanish 21 encompasses a myriad of distinct rules and captivating maneuvers. To engage in this rendition of blackjack, commonly found in online casinos, it is imperative that you acquaint yourself with the regulations of classic 21. Take the time to peruse the following guidelines prior to embarking on this variant:

• This game employs 6 to 9 decks. Each deck comprises 48 cards; the 52 traditional cards, excluding the four 10 cards. Hence, this game favors the house more than the player.
• If you choose this version of the game, you will find that "late surrender", doubling after splitting and resplitting, aces will always be allowed.
• In Spanish 21, a player who scores 21 points, just like any natural blackjack obtained during the game, will always win against the dealer's hand.
• During the game, you will always have the option to double down on any number of cards. Furthermore, you can also choose to "hit" and "double down" after splitting your hand.
• Spanish 21 players have the option to choose the maneuver "Surrender" after doubling down. This move is also known as "Double Down Rescue" and its outcome would result in the loss of their initial bet value.
• As for the payouts, a five-card 21 hand pays 3:2, while a six-card 21 hand pays 2:1, and a seven or more card 21 hand pays 3:1. Bonuses are not given after doubling or splitting.
• Hands with different suits that include 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 pay 3:2, while hands with the same suit pay 2:1, except for hands consisting of cards with the spades suit.
• When a dealer has a face-up card, a hand with the same suit consisting of three 7 cards will pay $1000 for bets between $5 and $24, and $5000 for bets of $25 or more. Additionally, Spanish 21 offers all other players an "Envy Bonus" of $50. However, this bonus is not paid after doubling or splitting.

Blackjack Surrender

As the name suggests, Surrender Blackjack offers players the choice to surrender, which may result in losing the game. However, if you decide to make this move, you can retain half of the amount you wagered. To delve deeper into this variation, please refer to the rules outlined below:

• In general, Blackjack Surrender employs a standard blackjack table and incorporates the use of 4 to 6 decks.
• When the game starts, the dealer deals two cards to the player, as well as to himself, in the same way as the classic version of blackjack.
• The maneuvers that can be used during this game are essentially the same as those in the original version of blackjack; "Hit," "Stand," "Split," and "Double," as previously mentioned and explained.
• In Blackjack Surrender, the dealer is allowed to peek at a blackjack.
• In this game version, the dealer stands on a "Soft" 17 hand.
• As a player, you will be allowed to double down on your first two cards and also after splitting.
• Assuming you managed to acquire a pair of cards, you will be able to split this pair. However, it should be noted that splitting is only allowed once during the game. Therefore, the player will not be able to split again, resulting in four hands.
• If either the player or the dealer has a total score higher than 21 in No Blackjack Surrender, they both lose, which is known as "Go Bust" (exceeding the number 21).

Frequently asked questions - how to play blackjack.