As one of the most popular card games in land-based and online casinos today, Blackjack has definitely stood the test of time.
After being a staple in land-based casino venues, Blackjack has made the jump to digital platforms—offering familiar, straightforward rules alongside fresh mechanics.
At LiveScore Vegas casino, users can play a variety of Blackjack tables that incorporate the classic game. This article explains the core rules of online Blackjack, breaks down how card values work, and takes a close look at the actions available to you as a player.
Whether you’re new to the game or brushing up on the basics, this guide will help you make the most of Blackjack at LiveScore Vegas.
The rules of online Blackjack
The objective of online Blackjack is simple, much like the traditional land-based version of the game. You aim to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to a total of 21 as possible, without exceeding it – “going bust”.
Online Blackjack typically follows the same basic rules as traditional versions of the game found in land-based casinos, being played with one to eight standard 52-card decks. Each round begins with you placing a wager and receiving two cards. The dealer also receives two cards, but one is face up and one is face down.
You then calculate your hand total and complete a range of actions in order to strengthen your hand and get as close to 21 as possible.
Card values in Blackjack
Understanding how card values work is important for knowing how to calculate your hand total and informing your decisions for what actions might help your hand. The breakdown is as follows:
- Number cards (2–10): worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): each worth 10 points.
- Aces: worth either 1 or 11, depending on which value is more beneficial to the hand.
A hand totalling 21 from your first two cards – specifically an Ace and a 10-point card – is called a “Blackjack”. This is typically an automatic payout, unless the dealer also has Blackjack, in which case the round results in a “push” (tie).
Player actions
Once your initial cards are dealt and you’ve calculated your hand total, you’ll be given a range of possible actions. These are standard across most versions of online Blackjack:
- Hit: Request an additional card.
- Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
- Double Down: Double your original bet and receive exactly one additional card.
- Split: If you receive two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet. A new card is dealt to each hand, and you play them separately.
- Surrender: Available in some versions, this allows you to forfeit your hand immediately after the deal in exchange for half of your original bet back.
The dealer must act according to specific rules, which usually require them to hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more. Some variations may also require the dealer to hit on a “soft 17”, which is a hand that includes an Ace valued as 11.
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The structured format of online Blackjack offers fresh gameplay whilst also replicating the traditional style of the classic land-based table game.
By understanding the rules, card values, and available actions in the game, you can approach online Blackjack with more clarity and play responsibly.
