The rules of blackjack depend on the rules of each version. This is why players are advised to check the rules of the blackjack version they are playing before engaging into the game. Although there are general rules such as 21, busting, the dealing procedure and the card value, there are other rules that differ.
Card Values:
The card values are equal the face value of each card while Jacks, Queen and Kings have a ten value and Aces have two values. They can be counted as 11 or 1, depending on the blackjack hand. If it forms a total while being counted as 11, it is called soft and if it creates a total while being counted as 1, it is called hard. For example, a hand that consists of an Ace and a five is a soft sixteen and a hard six.
Splitting Rules:
Splitting is allowed in every blackjack game but some games will not allow splitting Aces and some games will only allow players to split 1 time. Players who split aces will only be allowed to hit once and get one more card. Players can split unlike ten-value cards depending on the rules of each game, some allow it and some require players to get identical ten value cards so they can split. Splitting means that players will place a new wager on the new hand, this wager is equal to the original wager that players placed on the Blackjack hand. So with four hands players will quadruple their original wager.
Double Down Rules:
Players will be permitted to double down after they get their first two cards. Some games would enable players to double down at any value and others would only allow them to double down if they get a hand total that is equal 9, 10 or 11. Players will only be able to get one more card after they double, they will have to get that card, and it is not optional.
Surrender Rules:
Some games will give players the chance to surrender their blackjack hand; it is the equivalent of folding in poker. Players can make that decision after they get dealt the initial two cards. If they surrender, they will forfeit the hand and they will lose half of their bet. Sometimes it is better to lose half than to lose the entire bet.
Insurance Rules:
Insurance is a side bet that players can place if the dealer’s card that is facing up is an Ace or a ten-value card. Players will win that bet if the hand has a blackjack. The dealer will peak and see his card once players place that wager and pay it out if it is a blackjack.If players do not place insurance and the dealer gets a blackjack, all the wagers, except insurance will be losing ones. If the player has a blackjack as well, it is considered a push. Some games will give players their bets back and some versions consider a push to be in the favor of the house.
