Blackjack (also known here as ‘twenty-one’) is one of the most popular card games in the world. Unlike slot machines, Blackjack isn’t just about luck, but also about your strategies and decisions.

If you’re planning your first visit to a casino and want to take your seat at the green baize with confidence, this guide will explain all the basic rules step by step.

🎯 The main aim of the game: What is Blackjack all about?

Many beginners mistakenly believe that the aim is to hold cards with a total value of 21. The real aim is simpler:

To beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 than theirs, without exceeding 21.

You are competing solely against the dealer (the casino), not against the other players at the table.

🃏 Card values in Blackjack

A standard 52-card deck is used in Blackjack (casinos often play with several decks at once). The values are as follows:

Card	Value in the game
Cards 2 to 10	Their face value (e.g. a 7 is worth 7 points)
J, Q, K (Jack, Queen, King)	10 points
A (Ace)	1 or 11 points (whichever suits you best)

Note: Blackjack is a combination of the first two cards: Ace + any card worth 10 (10, J, Q, K).

🔄 Step-by-step guide to a round of play

1. Placing your bet

Before the cards are dealt, place your chips in the designated box on the table in front of you.

2. Dealing the cards

The dealer deals two cards to each player and to themselves.

• The players’ cards are face up.
• The dealer places one card face up and the other face down (depending on the version of the rules, though usually one card is visible).

3. Player’s options (Your turn / action)

Based on your two cards and the dealer’s face-up card, you decide how to proceed:

• Hit: You ask the dealer for another card. You can draw as many as you like until you decide to stop or exceed 21.
• Stand: You are happy with your total and do not want another card. It is now the next player’s or the dealer’s turn.
• Double Down: If you have a good starting hand, you double your bet. However, you will receive just one more card .
• Split: If you are dealt two cards of the same value (e.g. two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands. You must place the same stake on the second card.

⚠️ What does ‘Bust’ (Over)? If the total of your cards exceeds 21, you automatically lose your hand. A so-called bust occurs immediately, regardless of what the dealer draws later.

🤖 Rules for the dealer

Unlike you, the croupier cannot make decisions at their own discretion. They must strictly adhere to the casino’s rules:

• If the total is 16 or less , they must draw another card.
• If the total is 17 or more, they must stand.

💰 How are winnings paid out?

• Standard win (1:1): If your total is higher than the dealer’s, you get your stake back plus the same amount as a win (if you bet €10, you get €20 back).
• Natural Blackjack (3:2): If you get Blackjack (Ace + 10) on your first hand and the dealer does not have it, you’ll be paid out at 3:2 (if you bet €10, you’ll get €25 back).
• Tie (Push): If your total is the same as the dealer’s, your stake is returned.

🎩 Table etiquette in a land-based casino (Hand gestures)

In a land-based casino, for security reasons (so that the cameras can see everything), verbal instructions are not used; instead, body language is used:

• I want a card (Hit): Gently tap your fingers on the table behind your cards.
• Stand: Wave your palm horizontally above your cards (a ‘no-no’ gesture).
• Double / Split: Place the same number of chips next to your original bet and hold up one finger (for Double) or two fingers in a V-shape (for Split).

💡 Important casino rule: Never touch your chips after the croupier has dealt the first card! Any adjustments to your bets are prohibited during the round.

🚀 Tips for beginners to round off

1. Never buy insurance: This option sounds tempting, but in the long run it is disadvantageous for the player.
2. Split Aces and 8s: Two 8s make the worst total (16). By splitting them, you stand a chance of getting two strong hands worth 18.
3. Ask the croupier: Our croupiers are here for you. If you’re unsure which hand signals to use or how to proceed, feel free to ask. We’ll be happy to help!

📍 Come and try live Blackjack!

Want to experience the authentic casino atmosphere, great drinks and the excitement of the green table? Visit our branches Casino Excel throughout Slovakia. Our professional croupiers will be happy to introduce even complete beginners to the game.

We look forward to your visit!