Blackjack Rules

In Blackjack, the aim of the game is for the total value of your cards to be closer to 21 than the dealer’s cards, without going over 21. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10 and aces are worth either 1 or 11.

Blackjack is achieved if you are dealt an ace and a card with a value of ten as your first two cards, this will result in you winning 150% of your bet (for instance, if you bet £1 you would receive £2.50). If your cards are closer to 21 in value than the dealer’s cards then you win 100% of your bet. However, if your cards are worth more than 21 you have gone 'bust' and have lost your bet. If you tie with the dealer and your cards are worth 17 or more, your bet is returned to you in what is called a 'push'. A score of 21 is beaten by Blackjack.

Split

After being dealt your first two cards, if they are of the same value you have the option to split them into two separate hands. This requires you placing a second bet of the save value as your first. The game proceeds with you drawing cards to each hand. You may draw as many cards as you wish to each hand, with the exception of split aces. If you have split aces you will only receive one extra card for each hand. In a split hand, if you receive an ace and a card worth 10 it is treated as 21 and not Blackjack.

Double

After being dealt your first two cards, if you think that your third card will allow you to beat the dealer’s hand you may double your bet. The amount bet becomes double the original and you are dealt your third card.

Insurance

You may insure your bet against the dealer having Blackjack if the dealer shows an Ace in his initial hand. Should you choose to insure your bet, a sum equal to half of your original bet is placed separately on the table. Should the dealer proceed to show Blackjack, you are paid 2 to 1 on your insurance, this means that you will not lose your original bet (this is because you receive the insurance amount back and 2x half your original bet). If the dealer does not have blackjack you will lose the insurance amount, even if you go on to lose the round.

10 Card Charlie

In theory it is possible to draw 10 cards without going bust, if this happens you will automatically win unless the dealer has Blackjack.

Winnings