How to Play Live Dealer Blackjack
The goal of blackjack is simple: you are trying to build the best hand to beat the dealer – and the dealer only – without going over 21.
Each of you will be dealt two cards initially, and you will need to choose whether to take more cards (“hit”), or stick with your hand (“stand’).
- An ace is worth one or 11 points, whichever benefits your hand more
- Face cards are worth 10
- The remainder of the cards are worth their face value (e.g. a 3 would be worth three)
This process remains the same whether you’re playing standard blackjack online or playing live dealer blackjack. The main difference, in addition to the social atmosphere, is that in live dealer blackjack, you’ll communicate directly with the dealer throughout each round, rather than pressing buttons.
A Hand of Live Dealer Blackjack
Here’s a hand of live dealer blackjack in five simple steps:
- Place your bet. Table minimums vary depending on which online casino you like and which live dealer blackjack table you select. Bankroll management is important – we recommend choosing a bet size that will allow for you to play at least 20 games (for example, if you have $100 to play with, we’d recommend playing $5 hands at most.
- The dealer deals. Each player and the dealer will receive two cards. Both of the dealer’s cards will be face down, while one of yours will be face down, and one will be face up.
- Hit, Stand, Split or Double Down. Based on the point value in your hand, you’ll need to decide whether to hit (take another card), stand (decide to take no more cards), double down, or split. We’ll talk more about this step – and how to choose your play – later.
- Repeat Step 3 if applicable. If you hit, split, or doubled down, you’ll again need to choose if you want to hit or stand depending on your new card total. You’ll repeat this process until you either have a card total you’re happy with, or until you go over 21 (a “bust”)
- Await dealer’s hand for result. Once you’re done with steps 3 & 4, the dealer will go through the same process.
Once each player and the dealer are all settled on their hand, everyone will reveal their cards. At this point, if you’ve beaten the dealer – by getting closer to 21 than they do, without going over – you are paid out. Otherwise, the dealer takes your bet.
