How to Play Blackjack in Las Vegas
Blackjack, also known as 21 is one of the most popular casino card games in Las Vegas. The rules of blackjack are quite simple, which is a major reason for the game's enduring popularity. In Las Vegas casinos, blackjack is played on a semi-circular table, with the round portion of the table facing the players, and the straight edge side facing the dealer. There are usually five to seven seats at a table and every blackjack table will have the words, "Insurance Pays 2 to 1", also, "Dealer must Hit Soft 17" or "Dealer Must Stand On All 17's".
The Game of Blackjack
The object of the game is to get a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible without going over. A hand that goes over 21 is a bust or break . The players at a blackjack table do not play against each other, they play against the dealer. Each player only has to beat the dealer's hand.
Most casinos in Las Vegas provide two versions of Blackjack. Double Deck 21 and Multiple Deck 21. With Double Deck 21 the cards are dealt from the hand and with Multiple Deck 21, the cards are dealt from a box called the "shoe"
Read about the differences in the two version on the right column of this page.
Getting Started:
Find an appropriate bet-limit table and place a bet by the chips in the designated area. Depending on how many people playing, the dealer will deal each player two cards. The dealer is also dealt two cards, one face up, and one face down.
You are then offered the opportunity to take more. If you would like another card, then you tap the table with your fingers or say "hit me". If you want to stay or "stand" with what you have, then wave your hand horizontally over the table or simply tuck your cards underneath your bet.
The hand with the highest total wins as long as it doesn't exceed 21. A hand with a value over 21 is called a "bust" or "break" and it is an automatic loser.
- Cards 2 through 10 are counted at face value.
- The following cards Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10.
- An Ace's value is 11 unless this would cause the player to bust, in which case it is worth 1.
A hand in which an ace's value is counted as 11 is called a soft hand, because it cannot be busted if the player draws another card. When an ace is counted as one point, this is called a hard hand.
The best possible hand in Blackjack is a combination of an Ace with a 10-card or a face card. This is an automatic 21, when counting the Ace as an 11, and is called, "Blackjack", or a Natural. It cannot be beaten, unless the dealer has the same, which would be a Push, a tie. In a push, the player receives the bet back.
Note:
The minimum bet is printed on a sign on the table and varies from casino to casino and table to table. For example Minimum $5, Maximum $500.
Dealers play according to house rules for their table. Be aware that blackjack odds may vary from table to table. Feel free to ask the dealer for clarification.
Watch the Video below to learn more
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Note:
Your opponent in blackjack is the dealer. Each player's goal is to beat the dealer by having the higher, unbusted hand. Note that if the player busts he loses, even if the dealer also busts. If both the player and the dealer have the same point value, it is called a "push", and neither player nor dealer wins the hand. Each player has an independent game with the dealer, so it is possible for the dealer to lose to one player but still beat the other players in the same round.
What are some blackjack basic strategies
The odds of winning can be improved by following blackjack basic strategy. Below are blackjacks basic strategies.
Stand on a hand of 17 or more
Never hit on 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 when the dealer is showing 16 or less
Always split 8's
Double down on 11 if dealer is showing 17 or less
Other Blackjack Tips
Four easy rules on when to hit and when to stand in Blackjack
- If your hand is 11 or less, always hit. You can't possibly bust, so the extra card will only help your hand.
- If your hand is 17 or greater, and the dealer is not showing a Seven or higher, always stand. The risk of busting if you hit is very high.
- If your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer is showing an up card likely to bust , always stand. Although this is a weak hand, it will still win if the dealer busts.
Exception - If the dealer has a Two or a Three showing, hit if you have 12.
- If your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer has a Seven or higher showing, always hit. The dealer is far more likely to get a better hand than yours unless you can improve it. There's a risk of busting, but in this case you have to take that risk.
Exception: If you're holding a soft Ace, you can be more aggressive than these rules indicate. You might even hit on a 17, depending on what the dealer is holding.
Although basic blackjack strategies can get infinitely more complex, these four rules are the core of most of the strategies in use today.
Be Warned:
This website encourages you to play responsibly by betting within your limits and by recognizing that over time the house will come out ahead.
Watch the Video below to learn more:
Nevada State Gaming Rules
The minimum age for gambling in Nevada is 21 and the law is strictly enforced. Casinos can be fined heavily by the state or have their license revoked for allowing anyone under 21 to gamble or loiter in gaming areas.
Adults cannot play slot machines with kids looking over their shoulder, nor can they park infants in strollers besides slot machines or gaming tables.
Security guards will inform violators of the state law one time and escort them from the premises for repeatedly ignoring warnings.
Responsible Gaming
This website encourages you to play responsibly by betting within your limits and by recognizing that over time the house will come out ahead.
To view a full copy of the American Gaming Association Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, visit the AGA website at www.americangaming.org.
If you wish to view the AGA’s win-loss brochure, “The Guide to House Advantage”, visit www.americangaming.org
Copies of the brochure “When the Fun Stops – Understanding Compulsive Gambling” are available at most Casino Cages, and Players Club Desk.
Warning Signs of Problem Gaming:
- Gambling to escape worry
- Gambling to get money to solve financial difficulties
- Feeling unable to stop playing, regardless of winning or losing
- Often gambling until your last dollar is gone
- Neglecting your family because of gambling
If you feel you need help, please call the following 24-hour confidential national hotline:
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700
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Double Deck Blackjack
Cards are dealt from the hand
Everyone plays against the dealer
Players are dealt two cards face down
The dealer receives his first card face up and the second card face down
Player may draw as many cards are they want until you are close to 21 or until they "bust"
The object of the game is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over 21.
Multiple Deck Blackjack
Cards are dealt from a box called the "shoe"
Everyone plays against the dealer
Players are dealt two cards face up
The dealer receives his first card face up and the second card face down
Player may draw as many cards are they want until you are close to 21 or until they "bust"
The object of the game is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over 21.
Players use hand signal to indicate a "hit" or "stand"
Las Vegas Blackjack Etiquette
Communicate your wish to stand or hit through hand signals.
Tap the table with your finger to indicate you want to hit.
Wave your hand horizontally to indicate you want to stand.
Announce your intention to surrender verbally. This allows you to abandon your hand and keep half your bet.
Switch your cell phones off. However If you must answer a call, step back from the table and make your conversation as brief as possible.
Feel free to ask the dealer any questions you want regarding the rules.
It's customary to tip the dealer. To do so, simply place an extra bet in from of your original bet. If you win that bet, the dealer keeps it as a tip.
Low Limit Blackjack in Las Vegas
Below are Las Vegas casinos with low limits on Blackjack
Four Queens
El Cortez
Gold Spike
Fiesta Rancho
Las Vegas Club
Sahara
Golden Nugget
Learn to play casino games
Learn to play casino games by clicking on the links below. Each link tells you a little about the game, the rules and gives you an online video on the game in action. Hope you enjoy them.
Winning and Losing in Blackjack
If you are closer to 21 than the dealer, you win and are paid an amount equal to your original wager.
If your hand is less than the dealer's, you lose.
If the dealer's hand "busts" or "breaks", you win.
Ties are a stand-off or "push" and your bet remains on the table.
If your initial two cards total 21,( this will happen if you are dealt an Ace with a 10, Jack, Queen or King), you have a blackjack or a natural. Blackjacks are paid 3 to 2 or up to 50% more than any other hand.
A hand totally 21 points, but having more than two cards, loses to a two-card backjack/natural hand.
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