Siena Gaming Guide - Blackjack

Blackjack

The object of Blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. If you go over 21, or if the dealer has a Blackjack and you don’t, the player’s hand will automatically lose.

The game begins when the dealer gives each player two cards, after each player has placed a bet. The dealer’s first card is dealt face up and the second card is dealt face down. The player now has a variety of choices that he can make. The player can either “Stand” (stay with the cards he was dealt), or the player may also decide to “Draw”. Any additional cards may be given to the player one card at a time.

Again, if the player goes over “21” the player “Busts” and the house wins.

The Jack, Queen, and King, or the face cards, are all considered as 10’s. All other cards can be taken at face value. An Ace has a value of 1 or 11, whichever is most advantageous to the player. The dealer must draw if his cards total 16 or a soft 17. A soft 17 is a hand that is an Ace (value of an 11) and will not “Bust” if a ten or face card is drawn.

Blackjack Terms

Blackjack: Any Ace with a Ten, Jack, Queen, or King is considered a “Blackjack.” If you are dealt a “Blackjack,” turn your cards over immediately. You will be paid one and a half times your bet, unless the dealer also has a “Blackjack.” If both the dealer and player have “Blackjack,” it is considered a “Push,” or tie; nobody wins or loses.

Double Down: A player may double down on any part of the original bet. The money must be in the square before the double down card is dealt. The double down card will be dealt face down behind your money.

Split Bets: A player may split any pair up to four hands, including any card with a value of 10. Aces may be split only once and the hit card is dealt face down behind your money. A player may not double down after he splits. All splits require an equal bet and exact amount on each split.

Insurance: If the dealer’s “up card” is an Ace, you can take insurance. You are betting the dealer has a ten or a face card, giving the dealer “Blackjack.” You can bet up to half your original wager, and a winning insurance wager pays 2 to 1.