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Blackjack·Card Games
Blackjack
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Under Schedule 2, section 5(1)(a), cards numbered 2 through 10 have their face values.; Under Schedule 2, section 5(1)(b), jacks, queens, and kings each have a value of 10.; Under Schedule 2, section 5(1)(c), an ace normally has a value of 11.
— section 5
Why people argue about this
People often assume that aces always count as 1 instead of 11 in Blackjack, which leads to misunderstandings about when to use each value. The confusion arises because the official rules specify an ace can be worth either 1 or 11, not just 1, and this nuance is frequently overlooked during gameplay.
Schedule 2, section 22 requires the dealer to collect the cards remaining on the layout in order and place them face down in the discard rack. They must remain arranged so that each hand can be reconstructed if a question or dispute arises, unless an approved electronic review system is available.
— section 22
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a hand isn't completed correctly during play, it's too late for adjustments once the round is officially over. They misunderstand that the dealer must preserve the layout so hands can be reconstructed later, even though cards are discarded after each round. This rule aims to prevent disputes by ensuring all hands remain visible and organized until they're finalized.
Schedule 2, section 6 requires the dealer to place the first cutting card at the back of the stack and offer the cards to be cut. If the selected player refuses, the cut is offered clockwise; if no player accepts, the dealer or a gaming supervisor cuts the cards.
— section 6, section 20, section 23
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a player declines cutting the cards, the dealer must cut them alone without any supervision, which is incorrect according to the official verdict. The confusion arises because they misinterpret the requirement for either the selected player or someone else (dealer or supervisor) to make the cut when no one accepts.
After every player has acted, Schedule 2, sections 21(5) and 21(6) require the dealer to take a second face-up card, deal any further dealer cards face up, and announce the resulting total.
— section 29
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the dealer must always take a second card as long as they have less than 17 points, but in Blackjack, it's actually only required if their initial hand totals between 17 and 20 points, with specific sections detailing this in Schedule 2. This can lead to confusion because many players expect a strict rule of hitting any time the dealer has fewer cards showing.
Schedule 2, section 2 gives blackjack priority as a specifically defined opening hand: an ace and a 10-value card received as the first two cards. A three-card total of 21 is a valid total but is not a blackjack.
— section 5, section 2
Why people argue about this
People often assume that hitting a three-card 21 is automatically considered blackjack, which it isn't according to official rules. The confusion arises because they overlook the specific definition in schedule 2, section 2 about an ace and a ten-value card being the only valid combination for a blackjack.
For a double down, Schedule 2, section 26(4) assigns an ace in the first two cards a value of 1 rather than 11. If the dealer subsequently obtains blackjack, section 26(5) permits collection only of the original wager; the additional double-down wager is not collected.
— section 26, Section 26
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they double down with a pair of Aces and end up with blackjack from the dealer, they get paid out on both wagers. But actually, under the official rules, you only collect on your original bet; the additional wager is forfeited when the dealer hits blackjack. This can lead to disputes because players expect payout based on their doubled-down decision alone.
Schedule 2, section 28(1) permits a player whose total is below 21 to draw additional cards. Section 28(3) permits a player to stand on any hand containing two or more cards.
— section 28, Section 28, section 21
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they have two cards totaling 18, for instance, they must always draw another card as long as their total is below 21, which isn't entirely accurate. The confusion arises because while Section 28(1) allows drawing when under 21, it doesn’t mandate it; players can choose to stand on any hand containing two or more cards, including a pair that adds up to less than 21.
Schedule 2, section 21(1) requires the dealer to begin on the dealer’s left and proceed around the table. One face-up card is dealt to every box containing an original wager, followed by one face-up card to the dealer and then a second face-up card to each active player box.
— section 21, section 11
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the initial deal in Blackjack is solely about who gets their face-up card first, forgetting that it's also crucial for determining the dealer’s upcard, which can significantly affect strategy and outcomes. The confusion arises because they overlook how this step directly impacts the entire game flow and player decisions.
Schedule 2, section 25(1) requires the dealer to call for insurance wagers when the dealer’s first card is an ace. Under section 25(2), insurance may not exceed one-half of the amount staked on the player’s original wager.
— section 25, section 24
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they bet $10 on a player’s original wager and the dealer has an ace showing, they can also place a $5 insurance bet without limit because it's about doubling down their money for insurance. However, the rule actually caps the insurance bet at half of what was originally staked on the player’s initial wager, so you can't just add more to that $10 as they might expect.
Under Schedule 2, section 14(2)(a), the player wins when the player has 21 or less and the dealer exceeds 21.; Under Schedule 2, section 14(2)(b), the player wins when the player has the higher total and neither total exceeds 21.; Under Schedule 2, section 14(2)(c), a player blackjack wins when t...
— section 14
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they have a total of 21 (a Blackjack), it automatically means they win without considering the dealer's hand. However, the official verdict clarifies that only when the dealer busts (exceeds 21) does the player win; otherwise, it depends on comparing both totals against 21. This is where confusion often arises because a Blackjack seems like such an obvious win.
Under Schedule 2, section 24(1), a player blackjack is announced and paid immediately at 3 to 2 when the dealer’s first card is valued from 2 through 9. The cards are removed before another player receives a third card.
— section 15, Section 15, section 24, section 14, section 25, Section 25
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a dealer's first card is an Ace (valued as 1 or 11), they'll always pay out at 3 to 2 for a blackjack, regardless of what the second card might be. But actually, the rule only applies when the dealer’s initial card is from 2 through 9, removing any ambiguity about their hand value before deciding on payouts.
Schedule 2, section 4 permits a game to use any number from five through eight decks, but never fewer than five or more than eight under the standard rules. The selected deck count is therefore an operational choice within an exact official range.
— section 4, section 8, section 9, section 10, section 23
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the choice of deck count is purely arbitrary and don't realize it's a strategic operational choice within a very specific official range, which can lead to misunderstandings about how different counts affect gameplay and player strategy.
When several players wager on one box, Schedule 2, section 9 requires the dealer to designate the controlling player. Only that player makes decisions about cards dealt to the box, while the other wagers are positioned immediately behind the controlling wager in a straight line.
— section 7, section 8, section 9, section 10, section 14, Section 18, section 16
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all players behind a controlling wager have equal say in how cards are dealt within their box, which is incorrect according to the official rules. The confusion arises because only the controlling player makes decisions about the cards dealt to the entire box, while others simply follow his or her lead without making independent choices.
Schedule 2(a) establishes Spanish blackjack as a distinct game. Its separately numbered provisions address the number of decks, wagers and results, surrender, doubling, splitting, dealer play, and irregularities; those provisions govern wherever they differ from standard Schedule 2 blackjack.
— section 3, section 29
Why people argue about this
People often assume that Spanish Blackjack is a completely different game than standard blackjack, forgetting that it's merely an official variation within the same framework as standard rules. The confusion arises because they overlook how Schedule 2(a) simply specifies variations and doesn't mean to imply that Spanish Blackjack is its own distinct game outside of standard blackjack rules.
Schedule 2, section 4 requires blackjack to be played with five to eight standard decks of cards and two additional cutting cards. The combined decks form the stack from which the game is dealt.
— section 4, section 3, Section 3, section 13
Why people argue about this
People often assume that cutting cards are optional extras in a blackjack setup, which leads them to argue about their necessity. In fact, the official rule mandates using these cutting cards alongside standard decks for proper gameplay, and disputes arise when players or organizers believe they can play without them.
Any event or recreational adaptation should identify itself as an adaptation rather than claiming to use the official Schedule 2 game when it changes these fixed provisions. Officially published va...
— section 15, section 25, section 26, section 27, section 29
Why people argue about this
People often argue that they're playing the official Schedule 2 game of Blackjack when in fact they've made changes like reducing the number of decks or changing the payout ratios for insurance bets. They mistakenly believe these tweaks don't affect their claim to using the standard rules, but the rule clearly states such modifications invalidate their status as an "official" schedule game.
Schedule 2, section 4 requires blackjack to be played with five to eight standard decks of cards and two additional cutting cards. The combined decks form the stack from which the game is dealt.
— section 4, section 3, Section 3, section 13, section 5, section 6, section 20, section 23
Why people argue about this
People often assume that blackjack can be played with just one deck of cards, forgetting about the additional two cutting decks specified in Schedule 2, section 4. This oversight leads to misunderstandings about how many total decks are used for gameplay and can affect strategy discussions and betting decisions.
When several players wager on one box, Schedule 2, section 9 requires the dealer to designate the controlling player. Only that player makes decisions about cards dealt to the box, while the other wagers are positioned immediately behind the controlling wager in a straight line.
— section 7, section 8, section 9, section 10, section 14, Section 18, section 16, section 21, section 11
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all players in a box must make decisions together, thinking it's like a team effort where everyone has equal say. But actually, only one player is designated as the controlling player who makes all decisions for the entire box, while others simply follow their bets behind them without any decision-making power.
Schedule 2, section 28(1) permits a player whose total is below 21 to draw additional cards. Section 28(3) permits a player to stand on any hand containing two or more cards.
— section 28, Section 28, section 21, section 26, Section 26, section 27, section 25, section 24, section 29
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if you have a hand totaling 18 with an Ace (which can count as either 1 or 11), you must always hit because your total is below 21. But actually, Section 4 allows you to stand on any two-card hand, so you could choose to stay at 18 if it looks like hitting won't improve your chances of winning.
Schedule 2, section 2 gives blackjack priority as a specifically defined opening hand: an ace and a 10-value card received as the first two cards. A three-card total of 21 is a valid total but is not a blackjack.
— section 5, section 2, section 14, section 15, Section 15, section 24, section 25, Section 25, section 22
Why people argue about this
People often assume that insurance is a bet against the dealer showing an ace specifically, when in fact it's a side bet available anytime you're dealt below 17 or if the dealer shows an ace, regardless of your hand value. They miss the broader application and treat it as a rule tied strictly to the ace scenario.
Schedule 2, section 4 permits a game to use any number from five through eight decks, but never fewer than five or more than eight under the standard rules. The selected deck count is therefore an operational choice within an exact official range.
— section 3, section 29, section 4, section 8, section 9, section 10, section 23, section 15, section 25, section 26, section 27
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the number of decks used in Blackjack is entirely up to personal preference without considering official limits, so they argue about using fewer or more than five to eight decks despite the fact that the official range is clearly defined and set by the rules.
Schedule 2, section 27(1) permits a split when the player’s first two cards are identical in value. Each card becomes the first card of a separate hand, and section 27(2) requires an additional wager equal to the original wager.
— section 27
Why people argue about this
People often think that splitting pairs in Blackjack is as simple as doubling your bet for each new hand, which they mistakenly believe means you can split any two cards of the same value. However, the actual rule only allows splitting when the player’s first two cards are identical and requires an additional wager equal to the original one, not double it.
Schedule 2, section 3(2) requires the layout to state that blackjack pays 3 to 2, that the dealer must stand on 17 and draw to 16, and that insurance pays 2 to 1.
— section 3
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the table markings are solely for aesthetic purposes, but in reality, they play a crucial role by clearly defining key aspects of the game like payout ratios and dealer decisions, which can significantly affect gameplay strategy and fairness.