In the game of online blackjack you play against the dealer. The objective of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible. Who ever gets the closest to 21 wins that game.
The dealer begins by dealing two cards from left to right until each player has two cards face up, the dealer will one card face up and one hidden.
As the player you now have the option to hit or stand. You may also have other options such as Double Down, Surrender or Split.
Hit: If you decide to hit you will be given another card, you can continue to hit until you go over 21 at which point you will be bust and lose the game.
Stand: If you decide to stand the value of your two cards is your end score the dealer must then compete against to win.
Bust: You will go bust in blackjack as soon as you go over 21, the dealer will also go bust when this happens. You will lose your stake and that round of cards will end.
Double-Down: You are given this option from time to time (only when the card combinations are appropriate) and if taken you will be given one more card after which you must stand. Your stake for this bet will be doubled so you will be risking twice as much money to win twice as much in that round.
Split: You have the option to split when you have two of the same card. If you decide to split you will effectively have two separate hands that each must reach 21.
Surrender: Depending on the casino you use this option is not always available. If you are given an unfavourable hand and it looks likely you will lose against the dealer, you have the option to have half of your bet returned if you surrender.
Insurance: If the dealers first card is an ace you are given the option of insurance to protect against loss as the dealer is the most likely to win.
Blackjack: Blackjack is not just the name of the game it is also the term used when a player or the dealer gets a 10 or face card plus an ace. The player is awarded 1 1/2 times their stake if they get blackjack.