To play Blackjack at least one player and a dealer is required, but there can be even four players. Before the game starts, players have to make bets. Mostly bets are from $1 to $500, but any online casino that you will visit will inform you about the minimum and maximum bets. Of course players can make bets with all available chip denominations. After all players have placed their bets the game starts. Once the game has started players can’t change their bets. The only thing they can do is to increase their bet by using double down, split or insurance options. Each players is dealt two cards: one face up and one face down. To win the game players has to reach the number 21, or to be closer to 21 than the dealer (who is a player as well) and other players. Players can receive as many cards as they want (the they say “hit”) or they decide to “stand” so they receive no more cards. Blackjack itself is reached in the event of a player being dealt a 10 or a face card with an ace. Following a Blackjack, the player gets paid 1.5 times his original bet. However, it is also possible for the dealer to have Blackjack. In that case, a tie situation occurs between the player and the dealer, the dealer then becomes a "push," and the player gets his bet back. Another important thing to know about blackjack is that the dealer must hit when he has 16 or less, and must stop when he has 17 or more. When the dealer decides to push, all players around table are paid.

        Double down – this option allows you to double your bet during Blackjack game, but only after you have been dealt two cards. When you decide to double down you will receive one more card and you will not be able to hit again after deciding to double down.
Split – when you choose this option you may break one hand of cards into two hands. This gives you the chance to win or lose twice in the same game. Aces exempt, if you are dealt any pair of cards, you can choose to split the cards into two hands. This means that you play now with two individual hands and the second bet is equal to your basic bet. After the split you may take as many hits for each hand as you want. If a pair of aces is dealt to you, you are subsequently not ineligible anymore for Blackjack, and can only therefore get a "normal" 21. If the dealer has Blackjack, he wins, but if he reaches 21, it's a push.
Insurance – this option is available when the dealer shows an ace. After you choose the insurance option and the dealer has a 10 or a face card concealed then you get your insurance money back, and get paid with 2-1 odds. But, if the dealer has a card different than a 10 or face card you lose your insurance bet.