Blackjack Classic

Classic Blackjack or Blackjack 21 is easily the most basic version of the game. Players enjoy this version as it allows them some of the most flexible betting options and generally makes it easy for players of any skill grade to follow the action. We take a look at the whole game, and all you need to know is below.

Blackjack Classic Basics

This game is one of the simplest to play and enjoy. To play 21 blackjack, all you need to do is find a reliable casino. Once you do, you will be able to follow the gameflow. Here is a breakdown of what the fundamentals of the game boil down to.

• Blackjack classic is played against the dealer
• The game most commonly have a single deck
• All cards from 2-9 are worth their displayed value
• All cards from 10 to K are worth ten points each
• Aces are special because they can be worth one point or 11 points

The game has a very simple setup where you will be dealt two cards at the start. Both cards are dealt face up against the dealer's face-up and face-down cards. After this is out of the way, the game of 21 blackjack online may begin.

How to Play Blackjack Classic

The classic version of the game is one of the most popular out there. It's simple enough to learn, and the fact that the dealer uses only a single 52-card deck means that players have a much better house edge to deal with.

That is why blackjack 21 online is not the most common game available, but it's undoubtedly one of the best ones to enjoy if you are playing against a casino dealer. Here are the rules to consider when playing this version:

• If you get a straight 21-point hand from the very start (usually featuring an ace and a ten-value card), you win automatically
• Should you get a natural blackjack at the same time that the dealer does, the game will be settled as a tie, also referred to as "push" in 21 blackjack online
• Both the player and the dealer will lose if their hand exceeds 21 total points. This is called a "bust" in blackjack terminology

However, things get interesting if your first two hands have been dealt and you have less than 21 points. This is always going to be the case. From this point on, you can pick from numerous options:

• Hit: You take the hit action when you want to improve your hand and are willing to risk drawing another card.
• Stand: You stand if you believe that your current hand is much better than the dealer has and gives you the highest probability of winning.
• Split: You split your hands if you are confident that the resulting hands will give you a better chance of winning.
• Double Down: Players double down when they are confident their hand will win, and they want to get maximum value out of that by doubling the running bet amount.
• Surrender: If you believe your hand has no chance of winning, you may choose to surrender.

Rules of Blackjack Classic

Understandably, a game of 21 black jack has some other specific rules that you need to have a quick look through before committing to it. They are relatively easy to commit to memory, so you should not have trouble getting to the bottom of the 21 card game.

• In most classic versions of blackjack, the dealer should hit on a soft 16 and stand on a soft 17
• A natural blackjack will pay out 3:2, and a natural blackjack is also stronger than any other 21-value card
• In classic blackjack, you can split your hands once and then hit multiple times on each split hand. However, if you split a pair of aces, you will only receive one card for each ace you have.
• You may split multiple pairs, though.
• Sometimes, you can double down after splits, depending on the version of the game.
• Players may not be allowed to double down on certain cards and are usually allowed to double down on cards up to 9, 10, or 11 points.
• If you choose to double your wager on your opening cards, you will automatically be dealt a third card.
• Classic blackjack allows you to buy an insurance bet, but this bet is generally considered a bad idea.

These rules of classic blackjack should help you further along in the game. Each game tends to be slightly different, so it's best to look into the specific rules. For example, 21 + 3 blackjack will feature a special "poker" style side bet and introduce slightly different overall rules.

Blackjack Classic Payouts

• 6:5 if the dealer is showing an ace
• 3:2 on a natural blackjack

Blackjack Classic Strategy

There are generally two ways to play classic blackjack. You will have to consider whether the dealer stands on Soft 17 or hits on Soft 17. Both will be applicable depending on the specific rules of the game. Black jack 21 allows you to improvise depending on the situation.

• Stand on 18+ points on player's hard hand against the dealer's 2-A (dealer stands on 17)
• Hit on 4-7 points on player's hand against Dealer's 2-A (dealer hits on soft 17)
• Double down on 17 points on player's hand against Dealer's 2-6, otherwise hit if the dealer is showing 7-A (dealer hits on soft 17)
• Always split the player's hand showing 88, 99, AA, when the dealer hits on soft 17. Some exceptions exist. For example, you will stand on dealer's 7 and 10 if you have 99.

Each situation in a game of classic blackjack is unique. That is why we have listed just several of the possible courses of action. You don't have to memorize all of these optimal plays since you can simply look up the strategy charts.