So you’ve read my last post, learned what not to do at the blackjack table, and now you’re wondering… wait, how do you actually play blackjack?
Welcome to Blackjack 101, or, as I like to call it, the game that looks easy until you lose rent money guessing on 16. 🫠
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🕰️ A Brief (and Juicy) History of Blackjack
Blackjack’s roots go way back to 17th-century France, where a game called Vingt-et-Un (literally “Twenty-One”) was played in royal courts and smoky salons. Think powdered wigs, secret lovers, and someone losing their monocle over a busted hand.
It made its way to the U.S. in the 1800s, but here’s the twist: casinos started offering special payouts to spice things up, like a bonus if you had a black jack (either the Jack of Spades or Clubs) and an Ace. And just like that, Blackjack became the name of the game.
Fast forward to today: it’s one of the most popular casino games worldwide. Fast-paced, fun, and deceptively strategic — it’s basically the Beyoncé of card games.
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🎯 The Objective: Beat the Dealer (Not Your Neighbor)
Your one and only job is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. That’s it. You’re not playing against the other players at the table — you’re trying to beat the house (a.k.a. me, probably wearing sequins).
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🃏 Card Values (aka Math Lite™)
Cards 2–10 = Face value
J, Q, K = 10
Ace = 1 or 11 (whichever helps you most — Aces are fluid, like your favorite queer icon)
Examples:
10 + 7 = 17
King + 5 = 15
Ace + 9 = 20 (but could also be 10 if things go sideways)
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🧠 How to Play a Hand
Place Your Bet 💸
Slide your chips into the circle. (Don’t throw them. We’re not on reality TV… yet.)
Get Your Cards 🃏🃏
You’ll be dealt two cards face-up. The dealer gets one card up, one down.
Decide Your Move
Choose wisely, young grasshopper, and be sure to use your hand signals:
Hit = take another card
Stand = you’re done
Double Down = double your bet, take one card only
Split = have a pair? Split them into two hands (not always smart — see last blog post 😵💫)
Surrender = forfeit half your bet and peace out (not all casinos allow this)
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Dealer Plays
The dealer has to follow strict rules (no vibes-based decisions here):
- Hit until 17 or higher
- Usually stand on all 17s (but some casinos hit soft 17 — read the sign!)
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Win or Cry 😎😭
If your hand beats the dealer’s without going over 21, you win!
Hit 21 exactly with your first two cards? That’s blackjack, baby. Pays 3 to 2 (unless you’re in one of those stingy 6-to-5 houses… but that’s another blog).
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🪄 Dealer Tips from Yours Truly
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We love helping friendly players.
- Stack your chips neatly. It’s classy.
- Don’t take it personally when we beat you. I didn’t choose that 5 of clubs.
- Tip your dealer. Even a dollar now and then gets you good karma.
- Learn basic strategy. Seriously. (Did you read my last post??)
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⚠️ Bonus Red Flags (aka Don’t Be That Player)
- “I feel a 4 coming.” Feelings are not math.
- “But I had a 20 last hand!” Yeah, and I had a metabolism at 22. Things change.
- “You took my card!” I took a card. Not your destiny.
- “Dealer, I love you. Let’s get drinks after.” …I mean, maybe. Depends how you play your 12s.
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Final Thoughts from the Pit
Blackjack is like dancing: easy to start, hard to master, and better with a little rhythm. Whether you’re here for the thrill, the math, or the free drinks, knowing how the game works is your first step toward playing smart — and maybe even winning.
Stay sharp, stay kind, and never split your 10s.
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