Blackjack Tournament Basics

Regular blackjack games, regardless of whether they're played in land-based or online casinos, are played with one or more players competing against the dealer, or "House." In tournament blackjack, however, players compete against one another, and not against the dealer. Both forms of blackjack are played with one or more 52-card decks. The object of the game is to draw cards so that they total exactly 21, or come as close as possible to twenty-one without exceeding it. Going over 21 is referred to as "busting," in which case the player is eliminated from the round and loses his/her bets.

Card Values
Following are the various card point values: an ace is worth either one or 11 (at the player's discretion); all face cards are valued at 10; and all other cards are worth their numerical values.

Dealing the Cards
Each player is dealt one card face-down and, in most versions of blackjack, the dealer deals him/herself a single card face-down, which is known as his/her hole-card. The dealer then deals each player and him/herself a second card, though this time face-up. Each player then evaluates the total value of their hand in their quest to win the wager. Each player then decides whether they want to draw another card, or cards, to raise their total as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21. Depending on the circumstances, players may also choose, should they wish, to double down, split pairs, surrender or purchase insurance.

Players vs. Players
Unlike regular blackjack played in land and online casinos where all the players compete against the dealer, in tournament competitions, contestants play against one another and not against the dealer. In both single table and multi-table tournaments, the winner is the player with the most chips at the end.

To Hit or Stand
A dealer will deal as many subsequent cards to a player as long as that player requests them. However, should the player bust, he/she must declare that they have done so immediately. That player is then eliminated from the round and loses everything they wagered. Theoretically, a player can draw as many as 9 more cards without exceeding 21.

On the other hand, a player may opt to "stand" at any time they wish, that is, to refrain from drawing any additional cards, should he or she believe that the sum of the cards they drew add up to as close to 21 without exceeding it.

Not All Tourney Rules Are Equal
Tournament dealers are required to follow rules established by each individual casino, online or off. These rules vary among the different online casinos and tournament operators so remember to check out your tournament's rules prior to going ahead with your buy-in. One very common rule, for instance, is that dealers must draw another card - or "hit" - when holding 16 and must "stand" on 17 - meaning the dealer may not draw another card.

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