As a gaming expert with a deep understanding of various card games, including Blackjack, I can provide an insightful explanation of what happens when the dealer gets 21 in the game.

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games worldwide. It involves the player and the dealer competing against each other to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game has specific rules and outcomes, especially when the dealer achieves a total of 21.

When the dealer gets 21, the situation is determined by the state of the player's hand at that moment. Let's break down the scenarios:


1. Dealer's Blackjack: If the dealer's first two cards are an Ace and a 10-value card (which could be a 10, Jack, Queen, or King), this is known as a "Dealer's Blackjack." The dealer immediately announces this and checks the players' hands. If a player also has a Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), it is considered a push, and the player's bet is returned. If the player does not have a Blackjack, they lose their bet unless they have a hand with a value higher than the dealer's 21, which is not possible in this case.


2. Player's Blackjack: If a player has an Ace and a 10-value card as their first two cards, they have a "Blackjack." In this case, if the dealer does not show an Ace or a 10-value card, the player is paid immediately at a ratio of 3:2 or 1.5:1, depending on the casino's rules. If the dealer later reveals a Blackjack, it does not affect the player's Blackjack win.


3. Player's Hand Value: If the player's hand value is less than 21, they can continue to draw cards in an attempt to get closer to 21. However, if the dealer has already achieved a total of 21, the player must be careful not to bust (go over 21). If the player busts, they automatically lose, regardless of the dealer's final hand value.


4. Dealer's Turn: After all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their hole card (the second card that was face down) and plays their hand. If the dealer's revealed hand is 21, they win all remaining bets from players who did not have a Blackjack or who busted.


5. Insurance Bets: Sometimes, players can make an "insurance" side bet if the dealer's upcard is an Ace. This bet is usually half the original bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer has a Blackjack. If the dealer does not have a Blackjack, the insurance bet is lost, and the game continues normally.


6. Surrender Option: In some variations of Blackjack, if a player believes the dealer has a strong chance of having a Blackjack, they may choose to "surrender" half of their bet and forfeit the other half, ending their participation in that round.

In conclusion, when the dealer gets 21, it can significantly impact the game's outcome. Players must be strategic in their decisions, especially when the dealer has a high chance of winning with a Blackjack. The key is to understand the game's rules and probabilities to make the best decisions in each situation.

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In the event your first two cards are an Ace and any 10 value card, the Dealer announces your hand as Blackjack. You will be paid at this time if the Dealer does not have an Ace or 10 value card as a face up card. ... In the event the player draws to 21 with more than 2 cards, the Dealer's Blackjack is the winning hand.read more >>