Blackjack

Splitting

If your first two cards are of equal value, you may split these to form up to three separate hands. Aces may be split to form only two hands. You will receive an additional card for each hand and a wager equal to your original bet must be placed each time you split.

Doubling

You may place an additional bet to your original bet before you draw a third card. Your first two cards must not contain any aces. You will be dealt one additional card when you double. If the Dealer obtains Blackjack, the initial bet will be lost and the doubling/splitting portion is considered a stand-off.

Insurance

If the first card dealt to the Dealer is an ace, the Dealer will announce 'Insurance'. You may then place an insurance bet of no more than half your original bet, to insure your hand should the Dealer make Blackjack. An insurance bet is paid at odds of 2 to 1 and will only win if the Dealer makes Blackjack. If the Dealer does not make Blackjack the insurance bet is lost.

Perfect Pairs

A side bet on your hand that will win if the first two cards dealt are a mixed pair, a colour pair or best of all, an exact match, or 'perfect pair'.

Further questions?

If you are still unsure about how to play Blackjack, please ask one of the SKYCITY staff for assistance.

How To Play Blackjack

There are only a few decisions to make when playing Blackjack. Consider your cards and your dealer's card and remember, if you go over 21, you 'bust', and if you 'bust', you lose.

What is the objective of the game?

The object of Blackjack is to achieve a total that is greater than that of the dealer, and which does not exceed 21.

How do I play?

1. A card is dealt, face up, to each player in turn and then to the Dealer
2. A second card is then dealt, again face up, to each player
3. Now in turn, players must decide whether or not to draw further cards
4. After all players have completed their hands, the Dealer proceeds to draw cards to complete the Dealer's hand
5. You win if your total is higher than the Dealer's total of if the Dealer goes over 21 ('busts'). If your total is the same as the Dealer's total, it is a 'stand-off' and you neither win nor lose. If you go over 21, or the Dealer's total is greater, then the Dealer wins.
6. Place a side bet and you will be in the running to win bonus dollars.

What's Blackjack?

Blackjack is when you get an Ace and any 10 or picture card with your first two cards. It pays one and a half times your bet (unless the dealer also draws Blackjack, which results in a 'stand-off').

What are the values of the cards?

Picture Cards (Jack, Queen and King) each count as 10. An Ace counts as 1 or 11. All other cards have their numerical face value.

Are there restrictions on the dealer?

The Dealer plays according to a strict set of rules. Dealers must take another card if their hand totals 16 or less. Dealers must stand (not take any more cards) if their hand totals 17 or more.