Schworak Software - Blackjack
An Overview
The exact rules of Blackjack differ slightly from one casino to the next
in order to better suite the needs of the individual casino. Here you will
learn the rules being used by the Schworak Software Blackjack program. They are
rather close to the most common Las Vegas strip casino rules. If you learn
this game and want to try your hand at any Casino, you should request a copy
of the game rules before you play so you will understand the exact rules
in use at the casino you are playing in.
The Goal
The goal of blackjack is to make your cards add up to 21. If you
don't have 21, you want your cards to be closer to 21 than those of the
dealer, without going over 21. If you go over 21 you "bust." That means
that you automatically lost the hand.
What are the Cards Worth?
- An Ace counts as either a 1 or 11. We'll explain why in the example.
- Cards 2-9 are worth face value.
- The ten, jack, queen, and king are all worth 10.
Example: Let's say your hand consists of a 2, Jack, and 7.
You would have a 19. To illustrate the use of an ace, let's say your hand has a 4 and an ace.
You have two choices. Your hand can either be worth a 5 or a 15. As you
can see, this can be very useful. When aces are involved, your hand is always worth
the highest posible value without going over 21. So the ace and 5 would automatically
be 15. But if you draw a 10, then your hand is still only worth 15. (the ace becomes a 1).
Lucky 21 / Blackjack
Blackjack! Blackjack occurs when the first two cards dealt to you
equal 21. You automatically win that hand. In order to get blackjack, you
need to have one card worth 10, and one card be an ace. Some casinos will
only pay even money if you get a blackjack on a split, this program
pays a split blackjack just like a natural blackjack. You get 11/2
of your bet on any blackjack. (if you bet $100, you will win $150)
5 Card Charly
If you hit and receive your 5th card without going over 21, you win
automatically no matter what your hand is worth.
This is not as easy as it sounds which is why it is worth something
extra. This is one of the rules that many casinos do not use. But I
like it so it is in this game.
When to hit and when to stand
Once you have your cards, you have some choices.
- HIT
- You can "hit." That means that you want to get closer to 21. The
dealer will give you a card. You continue to hit until you are either
happy with your hand, or you "bust" (get over 21.)
- STAND
- You can stand. When you stand it means that you are happy with
your cards. Once you decide to stand, you can no longer get any new
cards.
- DOUBLE
- If you have only the two cards you were delt and only want one more
card, you can DOUBLE if you have the money. You will double your
bet and be delt one card. Your turn is then over.
- SPLIT
- If you are delt a pair, you can split. This takes your one hand
and turns it into two hands. One card becomes the first card of
the split hand. You then play the split hand. When done, you return
to playing the original hand which was delt a new second card at
the time of the split. In this game, you can split up to 3 times
in one game for a total of 4 hands playing against the dealer.
The Dealer's Rules
The dealer has to play according these rules:
- If he has a 16 or less, he has to hit.
- If he has a 17 or higher, he has to stand.
As a general rule, you should try to follow these rules as well. Just
think, if it is to the dealer's advantage to use these rules, it
is probably to yours at well. But that is just a general rule. Take
a chance from time to time.
Thats All Folks
That's all the rules of blackjack. If they are confusing, play a hand
or two. You will catch on quickly. Have fun!!!
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