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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
How does Blackjack work?
Split, box and Super Pairs – if that’s hard to keep track of, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through the blackjack rules step by step.
approx. 3 min.
How does Blackjack work?
The Most Popular Card Game of Chance
Blackjack stands as one of the most popular and widely available card games in any casino. Its roots trace back to the French game 'Vingt-et-un,' and you'll often hear it referred to as '21' or '17+4.' People love it because the rules are straightforward, yet the gameplay remains dynamic and exciting.Blackjack is the card game of chance most frequently played and offered in Casinos. Originally derived from the French Vingt-et-un, it is also associated with “17+4” or “21”. Its hallmarks are simple rules and a varied flow of play.
Our goal is to make sure you feel completely comfortable and confident the next time you sit down at a table. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide covering all the essential rules and nuances of the game.
In brief: What is Blackjack?
To come out on top in blackjack, your goal is to beat the dealer's hand without letting your total exceed 21. In terms of card values, Aces are flexible—they can count as either 1 or 11—while face cards are worth 10, and numbered cards simply carry their face value. The game typically uses six standard 52-card decks. With these basics in mind, you're ready to dive in!highest score is 21, which must not be exceeded.
Aces count as either eleven or one point, face cards as ten points, and all other cards at their printed value. The game is played with six decks of 52 cards each. Now you know the most important blackjack rules and can soon get started!
Structure of a Blackjack Table
The Course of Play
Once everyone has placed their bets in their respective boxes, the dealer distributes the cards face up, moving clockwise. Each active player gets one card, followed by the dealer. Then, a second card is dealt to each player. If you want more cards to get closer to 21, just say 'card'; when you're satisfied with your total, say 'stand'.
If your hand total goes over 21, you've 'busted,' and the dealer immediately collects your bet. The dealer only begins drawing their own cards after every player's hand has been resolved. The dealer is required to keep hitting until they reach at least 17, and must stop once they hit 17 or higher.
The Most Important Blackjack Terms
Splitting
If your first two cards have the same value—such as two 6s or two Kings—you can choose to 'split' them. This turns your one hand into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Note that the additional bet for the second hand must be equal to your original stake.
There is a specific rule for splitting Aces: each Ace only receives one additional card, and a split Ace cannot result in a blackjack—it can only reach a total of 21. Once a player decides to split, any passive players betting on that box can also participate in the split hand.
Double (to double down)
If your starting hand totals 9, 10, or 11, you can choose to 'double down,' doubling your original bet. In exchange for this increased stake, you are allowed to receive exactly one more card.
Side Bet \"Super Pairs\"
The 'Super Pairs' side game allows you to place an extra wager on the first two cards you are dealt. The winning combinations are as follows:
- Super Pairs: a pair of hearts sevens
- Identical Pairs: Two cards of the same rank and the same suit (e.g., two 9s of hearts).Identical Pairs: you draw a pair of the same suit, e.g. two nines of hearts
- Coloured Pairs: Two cards of the same rank but different suits of the same color (e.g., Ace of clubs and King of diamonds).Coloured Pairs: you draw a pair of different red or black suits, e.g. ace of clubs and king of diamonds
- Mixed Pairs: Two cards of the same rank but different colors (e.g., 10 of hearts and 10 of spades).Mixed Pairs: you draw a pair of different mixed suits, e.g. ten of hearts and ten of spades.
Side Bet \"Super Jack\"
You can use the Super Jack fields to place an additional bet, equal to the table minimum, specifically on the dealer's hand.
- Super Jack: The dealer hits a blackjack consisting of hearts (e.g., Ace and Queen of hearts).Super Jack: the house draws blackjack in hearts, e.g. ace of hearts and queen of hearts.
- Gold Jack: The dealer hits a blackjack where both cards are from any single suit (e.g., Ace and 10 of clubs).Gold Jack: the house draws blackjack in any one suit, e.g. ace of clubs and ten of clubs.
- Silver Jack: The dealer hits any blackjack, regardless of the suits (e.g., Ace of spades and King of diamonds).Silver Jack: the house draws blackjack, e.g. ace of spades and king of diamonds.
- Bust: The dealer's hand exceeds 21 (e.g., a combination of a 10 of hearts, 5 of diamonds, and 7 of clubs).Bust: the house goes bust, e.g. ten of hearts, five of diamonds and seven of clubs.
