The objective of playing blackjack live is to get a higher total card count than the dealer without going over 21. The best hand in blackjack is when the first two cards dealt value exactly 21. In the game you play against the dealer, but there may be up to seven other players.
Most online casinos use 8 standard 52 card decks. The numbered cards, 2-10, are worth their face value. Face cards are worth 10 and aces are worth 1 or 11. Assuming you have logged in and made a deposit at a reputable casino online, a round of live dealer blackjack will be similar to the following:
STEP 1
Place a bet
You will place a bet on who will win out of the player or dealer.
STEP 2
One card face up
Once all bets are off the dealer will deal one card face up to all players.
STEP 3
Begin to the dealer's left
The dealing will begin with the player to the dealer’s left.
STEP 4
Second card
A second card will be dealt face up to all players and face down to the dealer.
STEP 5
Value of your card
You will notice the full value of your card on your screen.
STEP 6
Blackjack
If you hold a total of 21, you have a blackjack and win.
STEP 7
Deal another card
If the dealer does not have 21, the players can be dealt another card.
Double down?- ‘Double down’ requires you to double your bet to add another card to your hand.
Hit?- You can also choose to ‘hit’ and be dealt another card to add to the total value of your hand.
Stand?- You can hit more than once and ‘stand’ when you are happy with your hand count.
STEP 8
Split your cards
If your initial hand holds two cards of equal value, you can ‘split’ them to make two separate hands, each with their own bet equal to your original bet.
Double down?- A second card will be dealt to both hands and you can ‘hit’ before you decide to ‘stand’.
Stand?- Splitting aces will only allow you to receive one card per hand.
STEP 9
You win!
Once all players have made their moves, the dealer flips over their face down card.
The objective of live dealer blackjack
If the total value of the dealer's cards is 16 or less they must hit. If the value is 17 or more they must stand. If the sum of your cards total over 21, you ‘bust’ and lose your bet.
If the value of your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand or the dealer has gone over 21, you win your bet. If you and the dealer hold the same value, the round is called a ‘push’ and you get your bet back.