Blackjack Rules Guide

How to Play Blackjack

To play Blackjack, you should first learn the basics. It is a timeless card game that has captivated players for generations, in which the appeal lies in its straightforward rules and the thrill of strategic decision-making. The primary objective is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's without exceeding it. Remember, while plenty of variations like Speed Blackjack offer additional mechanics, the game's core concept remains unchanged. 

Blackjack for Beginners

In online blackjack, each player competes against the dealer rather than other players. You'll receive two cards and can draw additional cards to improve your hand's value. Drawing additional cards is called “Hit,” and keeping your current hand is called “Stand.” The key is to balance the inherent risk of going over 21 (busting) after every “Hit” with the potential reward of beating the dealer's hand.

Detailed Blackjack Rules and Gameplay

While the basics are enough to get you started with this table game, knowing all the mechanics and rules enhances your chances of success at Casino Days.

The Deck and Card Values

Blackjack is played with one or more standard 52-card decks. The number of decks can vary depending on the variation you are playing. As with any card game, understanding card values is crucial. Number cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value, so a 3 of Hearts counts as 3 points. Face cards, which include J, Q, and K, are each worth 10 points. The A is a unique card that can be worth both 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits your current hand more. This flexibility makes Aces arguably the best card in any variant of this game.

The Deal: How Cards Are Dealt

At the start of a round, after all bets are placed, the dealer distributes cards. Each player receives 2 cards dealt face up. The dealer also gets two cards, but in their hand, one card is always face up, and one is always face down (known as the hole card.) The hole card remains hidden until all players decide to “Stand.” Then, depending on pre-set dealer hand rules, the dealer either “Stands” or “Hits.” This setup creates suspense and strategy, as you must decide based on limited information about what the dealer could potentially have as a hole card.

How to Place Your Bets

Before the card dealing starts, you must decide how much to wager on the round. Remember, some variants have side bets played before the round starts, like the “Perfect Pairs” bet. At Casino Days, we cater to all types of players by offering a range of betting options. You can select your preferred bet size to suit your budget. Place your bet using the game’s interface and confirm your wager when ready.

How to Play Your Hand

To play your hand in blackjack, choose from the options available to the variant you are playing. These may include “Hitting,” “Standing,” “Doubling Down,” “Splitting,” or “Surrendering.” 

• Hit: To Hit means requesting an additional card to increase your hand's value, which is preferred if your hand totals are low.
• Stand: Standing means keeping your current hand and ending your turn. You should stand when you're satisfied with your total or think the next “Hit” will lead to busting. 
• Double Down: Doubling down allows you to double your initial bet and receive one more card before standing, a strategic move when you're confident that one additional card will give you a strong hand. 
• Split: If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two hands. This action effectively doubles your chances to win but requires an additional bet equal to your original wager. 
• Surrender: In some game variations, you may have the option to surrender, allowing you to forfeit half your bet and end your turn. This is useful should you believe your hand is weak.

Dealer's Play: Rules and Strategies

In blackjack, the dealer's actions and how they behave after every player stands are governed by strict rules, which adds much needed predictability to the game. Remember, the dealer must hit on any hand totalling 16 or less and stand on a hand totalling 17 or more. Unlike players, the dealer cannot “Split,” “Double Down,” or “Surrender.” Understanding these rules helps you anticipate the dealer's potential hand and adjust your strategy accordingly. Perhaps the most notable thing about the dealer’s hand is that it can also go bust, which results in an automatic win for the player.

Mastering Basic Blackjack Strategy

While all blackjack variants are solely based on luck, employing a basic strategy can significantly improve your odds. Here are the most notable unwritten rules to consider following:

• It’s recommended to “Hit” when your hand totals 8 or less or is 12 to 16, and the dealer's face-up card is 7 or higher. 
• You should “Stand” if your hand totals 17 or more or when you have 12 to 16 and the dealer's card is 6 or lower. 
• “Doubling Down” can offer an advantage when your hand totals 10 or 11 and the dealer's card is lower than yours. 
• “Splitting” pairs can also be strategic, especially when you have A or 8s.

Blackjack Variations

While the core premise of getting to 21 remains a constant, there are blackjack variations that enhance the basic formula with additional mechanics and side bets. Here are the most common ones.

Advanced Blackjack Techniques

Advanced techniques offer additional layers of strategy for players looking to deepen their understanding and potentially increase their winnings when playing this table game.

How to Split Pairs

“Splitting” allows you to turn a single hand into two separate hands when you're dealt two cards of the same value. To do this, you place an additional bet matching your original wager. You then receive an additional card for each new hand and play them independently. Splitting As and 8s is recommended because it can lead to stronger hands. However, be cautious with splitting, as it doubles your bet and therefore doubles the risk.

When to Double Down

“Doubling Down” is optimal when your initial hand totals 9, 10, or 11, and the dealer has a lower face-up card. You double your original bet and receive only one additional card, so assessing the situation carefully is crucial.

When to Get Insurance

When the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, you might be offered insurance depending on the variant you are playing. This is a side bet based on the assumption that the dealer has a blackjack. It costs an additional amount equal to half your original bet and pays out 2:1 if the dealer does have blackjack. While it might seem like a good safety net, insurance bets generally have a high house edge and are often not recommended for casual players. Weigh the risks carefully before opting for insurance.

When to Surrender

The option to surrender allows you to minimize losses in unfavourable situations. Early surrender is available before the dealer checks for blackjack, while late surrender is only available after the dealer checks. Consider surrendering when you have a hard 15 or 16, and the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace. By surrendering, you lose only half your bet instead of the entire amount.

Signalling Your Intentions

In traditional casinos, clear communication with the dealer is essential, and each play has distinguishable gestures. However, while playing online at Casino Days, the interface simplifies this process. You can easily select your desired action through on-screen buttons, eliminating the possibility of errors that can occur with hand signals. This user-friendly approach enhances your gaming experience.

Special Situations: Handling the Unexpected

Sometimes, unique scenarios arise, and you can get a “Soft Hand” or a “Hard hand.” 

• A “Soft Hand” includes an A counted as 11, like an Ace and a 6 making a soft 17. A hard hand has no A or an A, but it must be counted as 1. 
• Some variations include a five-card Charlie rule, where drawing 5 cards without busting results in an automatic win.
• If the dealer has blackjack, all player hands lose unless the player also has blackjack, resulting in a “Push,” in which neither the player nor the dealer wins, and the player gets their bet returned to them.

Why Play Blackjack at Casino Days?

Our casino is an excellent choice to play online blackjack for many reasons, including an extremely generous 100% Match Deposit Welcome Casino Bonus of up to $2,000 and 100 Free Spins in the super popular Sweet Bonanza slot for our Canadian players. Besides this great perk, here’s what you’ll get by joining our casino.

Secure and Convenient Banking Options

We offer a variety of safe payment methods tailored for Canadian players, including Neteller, Interac e-Transfer, and Credit/Debit Cards. Your transactions are protected with advanced encryption technology, ensuring your personal and financial information remains secure.

User-Friendly Interface

Our casino is designed for ease of use, featuring perfect navigation and responsive design for seamless gameplay on desktop or mobile devices. We also offer an Android and iOS mobile app for that extra experience on the go. We’ve ensured that clear instructions and helpful prompts guide you through each step, from registration to gameplay, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Excellent Customer Support

Our helpful support team is here to assist you whenever needed. They are available 24/7, ready to help with technical issues, game rules, or account inquiries. You can reach us through live chat and email.

Commitment to Responsible Gaming

You can access great responsible gaming options, where you can set limits on deposits, wagers, or playing time. You can also access resources on responsible gambling practices and enjoy a supportive environment that encourages healthy gaming habits.

Diverse Game Selection

Our blackjack offering includes live blackjack variants and RNG blackjack games from the best game providers in the world. Beyond blackjack, we offer a wide array of other amazing games. Explore popular online slots like Sweet Bonanza and Book of Dead, engage in other table games such as live Roulette and live Baccarat and immerse yourself in our live game shows where you can interact with real dealers in real-time.

How to Play Blackjack at Casino Days in Canada?

To play any blackjack game at our casino, follow the detailed instructions below.

1. Create an Account: Visit our website and complete the registration form with your details.
2. Verify Your Account: Check your email for a verification link to activate your account.
3. Make a Deposit: Choose a secure Canadian payment method and fund your account.
4. Navigate to the Blackjack Section: Browse our game library to find RNG and live blackjack options.
5. Select a Game Variation: Choose the version that interests you.
6. Place Your Bet: Decide on a wager that suits your budget and consider your side bet options.
7. Play the Game: Use the on-screen controls to make your decisions.