Options for the Dealer At Blackjack

The dealer does not really have any options open to him in the game. However, knowing what the dealer is required to do will greatly affect your decisions about your hand.

Dealer hits on 16, stands on 17: The dealer must hit on Hi (or any hang totaling less than 16), and stand on 17 (or any hand higher than 17). This is a standard rule in any blackjack game worldwide. Some casinos also require the dealer to hit on a soft 17' (ace-6), which is a disadvantage for the player. If possible, avoid those casinos that do hit on a soft 17. This is the only option that the dealer has.

Push: A push is not really an option, but it is an important action in the game. If you and the dealer end up with the same total value hand - for example you both have 18 - it is considered a tie, or "push," and no chips change hands. Also, if you and the dealer both get a blackjack, again it is a tie or push, and no one wins or loses. The game continues.

Today, Blackjack, or Twenty-One, is one of the most popular of all casino table games. It is played from Arizona to Wisconsin in the United States and throughout the world from Antigua to Zanzibar. The reasons for its popularity are obvious: First, it is a simple game to understand and play. Also, many people believe that it is one of the few casino games at which a skilled player can beat the house most of the time.

THERE ARE A VARIETY OF OPTIONS for how each hand can be played. How liberal these options are depends on the "house" rules established by each individual casino. For example, one casino might use a single deck, whereas the casino next door might use the shoe exclusively. One casino's rule might allow doubling down on any two cards, while another casino might allow doubling on 10 and 11 only.

The point is that each casino has its own specific rules, and it's important for you to know what they are when playing. Many casinos have placards with the minimum and maximum bets listed; these placards might also list some of the house rules for that table. If you're not sure of the rules, just ask the dealer.

Learn More on Card Counting in Blackjack