German Saturday, 4. February

Black Jack

Blackjack is played at a semicircular table. The game is often dealt from 1 to 8 standard 52 decks of cards; infinite decks also exist in the form of robots mixing the cards all the time. Each card of rank 2-10 is worth its face value in points. All face cards are worth 10 points and the ace is worth 1 or 11 points whichever is best for that hand.

Card point values

Ace = 1 or 11 points
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 = Face value in points
10, J, Q, K = 10 points

The best hand you can get is a total of 21 points on the first 2 cards. This can be achieved only by being dealt an ace and a 10 (10, jack, queen or king) on the first two cards, this is called a blackjack or natural, a winning blackjack pays 3:2. If both player and dealer have a blackjack the bet is a push. All other winning hands pay 1:1. The player wins if his hand has more points than the dealer, without exceeding 21 points. If either the player or dealer goes over 21 it is called a break or bust and that hand automatically loses. If both the player and dealer bust the player loses. If player and dealer tie the hand is a push.

Playing the game

To begin the game each player makes a wager in the betting circle in front of him. The dealer gives each player and himself a card face up, he then deals every player a second card face up, and his own second card face down. If the dealer upcard is an ace, insurance is offered.
Insurance is a side bet and all players may bet an additional half of their original bets on insurance. If the dealer has a blackjack the insurance bet wins 2:1 but you lose the original bet so it is more like a push. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack the insurance bet is lost and the game continues. If dealer has ten upcard he will also check for a blackjack.


After it has been established that the dealer does not have a blackjack the player in turn may play their hands. The following options are available.

Stand: Whenever the player is satisfied with his hand he may stand. And the turn goes over to the next player.

Hit: If the player wishes to take another card he may continue to do so until he either stands or busts.

Double Down: In most casinos the player may double down on the first two cards. This means doubling you bet and only receive on additional card, after getting the card it is an automatic stand for the hand. Sometimes you may double down on the first two cards after splitting. Often you may only double down on 9, 10 or 11 totals for the first two cards.

Split: You may split the first two cards if they are of equal point value, thus getting two hands. This will require making another wager of the same amount as the original hand. Sometimes you may resplit up to 2 or 3 times if another splitting opportunity arises. Double down after splitting is sometimes offered.

Examples:
4+5 = 9 Points

Double Down possible
3+3

Split possible

Surrender (very rare rule): If you surrender you forfeit half the bet and the hand is discarded. This option is generally only offered after the dealer checks for blackjack, known as "late surrender."

After all players have finished playing their hands, it is the dealers turn. The dealer must hit until either reaching a total of 17 to 21 or busting. If he busts all the players that did not bust wins. If dealer does not bust all player hand totals are compared to the dealer hand total. If players hand total is greater than dealer player wins. If dealers total is higher the dealer wins. If totals are equal the hand is a push.

Whenever the ace is counted as 11 instead of 1; this is called a soft hand. On the canvas of the Blackjack table it usually says "stand on all 17" that means the dealer stands on soft 17 as well. Sometimes it does not say "stand on all 17" on the canvas then the dealer will hit soft 17.
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