How Many Cards Are You Allowed in Blackjack?

In blackjack, each player is dealt two cards face down. The dealer is also dealt two cards, one face down and one face up. The face up card is called the “up card.

” The other players then take turns taking more cards (called “hits”), or standing pat with the cards they have. When all the players have either taken hits or stood pat, the dealer takes his turn.

 Exclusive BlackJack Casino Offers: 

If the dealer’s up card is an Ace, he will offer “insurance” to the players. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack.

If the dealer does not have a blackjack, the player who bought insurance loses his bet.

After the insurance bets are settled, if the dealer has a blackjack, all the players lose their original bets (except for those who also have blackjacks). If the dealer does not have a blackjack, the game continues as normal.

PRO TIP:In most Blackjack games, you are only allowed to have a maximum of two cards in your hand. Any more than two cards is considered a bust and the dealer will take your wager.

The fundamental rule of blackjack is that you try to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Going over 21 is called “busting,” and you automatically lose your bet if you bust.

The value of each card is as follows: Ace: 1 or 11 (you choose); 2 through 10: their value (2 through 10); Jack, Queen or King: 10.

If your first two cards total 21 (an Ace and a 10-valued card), you have a blackjack and win 1 1/2 times your bet unless the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case it’s a push (a tie).

You can draw additional cards (take “hits”) until you either bust or decide to stand pat with your current total. To indicate that you want to take a hit, scratch the table with your finger or tap it lightly.

To signal that you are standing pat, wave your hand horizontally over your cards. Once you stand, play passes clockwise to the next player who then becomes the active player.

The dealer will continue taking hits until his hand totals 17 or more points, at which time he must stand. If at any point during his drAWS he exceeds 21 points (“busts”), all players still in the game immediately win their bets and play passes to the next hand clockwise around the table.