Both the dealer and every player in the game are dealt two cards. Cards may be dealt from the dealers hand if one or two decks are being used or from a "shoe" if more decks are used.The most common online games are played with a single deck which is shuffled after each hand is completed.

The cards are dealt one at a time to the players starting from the left with the final card being dealt to the dealers hand. Normally, when playing with one deck, the cards are dealt face down, while in multiple deck games the cards are dealt face up, but in the end, this doesn’t really matter as both are allowed.

All cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen and Kings) are worth 10 while Aces are worth either one or eleven. The cards’ suits have no meaning in Blackjack, only the numerical value is considered.

The objective of Blackjack is to be as close as possible to twenty one when adding the value of your two cards, without going over or "busting". If your card total beats the dealer’s total you win even money; however, if your total exceeds 21 you bust or lose your bet.

 

On the other hand, if the dealers busts and your total is less than twenty one you win even money. In case that the hand is a tie, it is called a push and no money is won or lost.

If your first two cards are equal to twenty one, you have a blackjack winning the odds 3 to 2, provided that the dealer doesn’t also have blackjack. In that case, the hand is considered a tie.

If you’re happy with the total of your first cards, you may stand by waving a flat hand over your cards. On the other hand, if you wish to take another card, point at your cards with your finger and you may hit.

You are free to hit or stand however you wish, but the dealer is more restricted. The dealer has strict rules to adhere to while hitting or standing. The dealer must stand if the total is seventeen or more, while a hit is a must in case that the total is less than seventeen.

Doubling Down -  To double down means to place a number of chips that is equal to the amount that you have already bet next to your existing bet, and the dealer will just deal one more card. This can only be done on your first two cards. Doubling your bet can be advantageous in the situations where you have a clear advantage.

 

Splitting Pairs -  If your first two cards are a pair you can choose to split them. You can place a bet equal to your original bet next to your original bet. The dealer will then deal a card to the first card and you may then hit, stand, double or split again (if you get another pair) according to the house rules. After you complete your first hand, the dealer will deal a card to the card that was initially split, after which you proceed with your actions. So in reality, when splitting pairs, you will in effect be playing two hands. In case of splitting Aces, the dealer will only deal one card to each Ace and no more.

 

You can practice playing Blackjack online for fun before you start playing for real money, in this way you'll learn many of the tips and tricks that will help you not to keep your fortune at the casino.