Rough Win

Are you Ready to Win? Rough Win!

All in the Cards

Blackjack is a deceptively simple game played with one, two, four, six, or eight decks of cards. The cards were traditionally shuffled by the dealer, but most casinos now use continuous shuffling machines. In single- and double-deck games the dealer holds the cards and deals them out. In multi-deck games, the cards are dealt out of a tray-like box that is called a shoe. Some casinos feature a shoe that shuffles as well as holds the cards.

In handheld games, the cards are dealt face down and players are allowed to pick up their cards. In a shoe game, the cards are dealt face up to the players, who are not allowed to touch them.

Basic Play

The play is the same for both handheld and facedown games. The objective is always to beat the dealer, which means getting to—or as close as possible to—a total point score of 21. If your cards total higher than the dealer's cards without going over 21, you win. If your hand goes over 21, you "bust" and lose your bet. If the dealer busts, you win. It's an interesting feature not only of blackjack but of all casino games that the house—or casino— always has the advantage. Which in the case of blackjack is 5 percent (meaning for every dollar bet, the casino keeps, on average, five cents). It's another interesting feature of blackjack that the dealer's bust potential is usually lower than the players'.

Table Play

Blackjack is dealt on a special table that is semi-circular in shape. There is a separate circle or square for each player. When you sit down you must buy chips from the dealer or bring them from another table. You then put your bet in the betting circle in front of your space. Only chips put in the betting circle count as your bet. After all bets are made, the play begins.

Hit — To take a hit means that you want to draw another card. To signal the dealer for a hit you tap the table in front of you or make a beckoning motion with your hand. If you wish another card after the first you motion in the same manner.

Stand – Once you are satisfied with your cards, you signal the dealer that you wish to stand (not receive any additional cards). You do this by waving your hand over the top of your cards.

Double Down – When you double down you are allowed to double your bet after receiving your first two cards. You then receive one card only on your hand. Most casinos will allow you to double down on any two cards (DOA). Some casinos limit your doubling to hands that total 10 or 11. DOA is a favorable rule to the player. To signal that you are doubling down you will place an additional bet next to your original bet. Most casinos will let you double down for less than your original bet, provided it meets the table minimum. This is foolish. You only double in favorable situations, and it is to your advantage to double for the maximum.

Split a Pair – If you are dealt a pair (two cards of the same rank) you can split these into two separate hands. At which point you must make an additional bet equal to your starting bet. You signal the dealer that you are splitting by placing your second bet next to your first bet in the betting circle. Do not put this bet on top of the original bet. Do not separate the cards. The dealer will do this for you. Neither will you play each hand one at a time. The dealer will give you a second card to go with the first split card. You will then decide to hit or stand. After you play out this hand and stand, you will move on to the next split card and the process will be repeated. Some casinos will allow you to double down on your first two cards after splitting. You would play this as you would if you were doubling down on your first two cards. This rule is favorable to the player.