European Blackjack Help: Introduction to European Blackjack

European Blackjack or 21 (twenty-one), is similar to regular Blackjack. It is quick to learn the basics and playing blackjack is fun.

The objective of European Blackjack is for a Player to come as close to 21 without going over, while still having a higher total than the Dealer. Prior to receiving any cards, the Player must place a wager. Once the wager is made, the Player is dealt two cards face up. The Dealer is dealt one card face up. The dealer does not receive a second (hole) card until after the player has made all his decisions, including doubling and splitting. If the total value of the Player's cards is closer to 21 than the Dealer, the Player wins as much as was wagered. The Player also wins if the Dealer goes over 21 and the Player has not busted.

If the Player's total goes over 21, the Player loses the amount wagered. Players in the Download version of the Casino have the option to play 1 or 2 hands against the Dealer.

Player Actions/Wagers and Button Descriptions

Bet - To place a bet, the Player must click on the chip value that they wish to wager.

Deal - Press Deal to begin the game once a wager has been placed. The Player gets two cards face up and the Dealer gets one card face up until the player is finished. Once the player is finished all decisions, dealer gets remaining cards.

Hit - Player desires another card to be dealt. The Player may take a hit at any time before standing.

Stand - Player desires to keep hand dealt. The game will automatically stand when the Player has 21 or after doubling down.

Split - If the Player's first two cards are of the same value (i.e. 7, 7, or Q, K) they may be split into 2 separate hands by placing a second wager of equal value. The Player may have up to 3 hands at one time. The Player then proceeds to draw cards as usual, with these exceptions:

If a Player splits two aces, only one additional card is dealt for each hand. A hand totaling 21 after splitting aces is considered 21, not Blackjack.

Double - When a Player has been dealt the first two cards and believes that the third card will give them a position to beat the Dealer's hand, they can "double down." The wager is doubled, and one additional card is dealt to the Player. The hand is automatically stood, and the Dealer then completes its hand comparing it to the Players' total. The Player can only double on Hard 9-11.

Blackjack - Is achieved when first two cards total 21. Blackjack always beats any other hand with a value of 21. If both the dealer and the Player have Blackjack, this is a push.

Bust - Is achieved when total value of cards for either the Dealer or the Player exceeds 21. If the Player busts the wager is lost, if the Dealer busts the Player automatically wins the wager if they have not already busted.

Push - Is achieved when the value of the Dealer's cards (from 17 to 21) and the Player's cards are equal resulting in neither winning. It also results in the return of the Player's wager.

Insurance - Gives you a chance to protect yourself when you believe the Dealer might have Blackjack. If the Dealer's first card is an ace, and the Player believes the Dealer's next card value is 10, the Player may purchase insurance against Dealer Blackjack at the price of half their initial bet. If the Dealer does have Blackjack, the insurance pays 2 to 1, which corresponds to the amount of the initial bet. If the Player has bought insurance and the Dealer does not have Blackjack, the Player loses his insurance. The Player's initial bet is then settled by comparing his cards with the Dealer's. If the Dealer and the Player both have Blackjack, the game results in a push with the Player profiting by the amount won by taking insurance - also called "even money".

Thanks for stopping by the Bodog Casino School to learn about playing European Blackjack. Now try your gambling luck playing European Blackjack in the Bodog Online Casino.