If you’re new to the game of Blackjack, a.k.a. “21”, this is the place for you. We at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino want to help our guests enjoy their time with us, and helping you learn how to play the many games we offer is important to us so that we may ensure your experience is a pleasurable one.

Objective of the Game: The objective of the game is to beat the dealer, not the other players. If your cards total higher than the dealer’s cards without going over 21, you win. If your hand or the dealer’s hand goes over 21 you “Bust.” If you bust you automatically lose. If the dealer busts and you do not, you win. The player must act first. If the player busts he loses regardless if the dealer busts or not.

The Cards: The suits of the cards have no affect on the game. Cards 2 – 10 are counted at face value without regards to their suit. All face cards have a value of ten. An ace can count as either one or eleven. A queen and a five would equal 15. An ace and a five would total either 6 or 16. A hand that does not have an ace is referred to as a “hard hand” because it has only one value. A hand that contains an ace is referred to as a “soft hand” because the value can change.

The Table: When you sit down at the blackjack table, you must buy chips from the dealer or bring them from another table. You put your bet in the betting circle if front of your space. Only chips put in the betting circle count as your bet. After all bets are made the play begins.

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

Standing: Once you are satisfied with either your fist two cards or after hitting, you signal the dealer that you wish to stand. This is done by waving your hand over the top of your cards.

Blackjack: If you or the dealer is dealt an Ace and a ten-value card, you have 21, known as a blackjack. This is a natural. If you get the blackjack you will be paid 3 to 2 for your bet providing the dealer does not get one at the same time. If you and the dealer have blackjack it is a push (tie) and you don’t win or lose. If only the dealer has blackjack all players will lose.

Insurance: When you play blackjack, insurance is offered whenever the dealer is showing an Ace. The idea of insurance is that you are betting that the dealer has blackjack. If you want insurance, you place half the size of your bet in the insurance spot on the table. If the dealer does have blackjack, you receive 2-1 on your insurance bet. You are essentially winning your initial bet back when the dealer has blackjack, for a net of 0 dollars on the hand and the insurance bet. If the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your insurance bet and continue on with the hand.

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If you’d like to see more lessons on table games, visit www.ecvegas.com Good luck! ~LMM