Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is played using a 52-card deck, and the goal of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Using a strategy, players can reduce the house edge to as little as 1%.
There are different versions of the game, and the rules can vary widely from casino to casino. Some have only a single deck of cards, while others use up to 8 or more. The dealer’s position also affects the odds of winning, and some casinos require the dealer to stand on soft 17.
What is a Blackjack?
A blackjack is a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s. It is considered a “natural” and is usually paid 3:2; if the dealer also has a blackjack, it is called a “push.”
What are the rules?
To play blackjack, a player and dealer both receive two face-down cards. The player can then either stand (stop drawing cards) or hit (draw more cards).
If the dealer’s up card is an ace, he will ask for a “surrender” which allows the player to place half of their original bet back, and to receive only a single more card. Surrendering is generally only allowed on hard hands and split hands, but some casinos allow it on all types of hands.
What are the odds?
The odds of winning are usually about 9:4 for the dealer, but the chances of getting a natural (two cards equaling 21) are only about one-third of the time. This makes it an unwise bet, especially for a player who relies on card counting to win.
Side Bets
Blackjack has many different side bets. These bets range from wagers on whether the dealer has a pair, to bets on the odds of the dealer busting. They can be placed on any number of combinations and are a great way to make a profit in the long run, but can also lead to losing streaks.
Perfect Strategy Charts
You can learn a lot about blackjack by memorizing the various charts that are used to determine basic strategy. These charts tell you what to do given the value of your hand and the card the dealer is showing, which will give you a better chance of winning.
Some of the charts are for tables where the dealer is required to stand on a soft 17, while other ones are for tables that mandate the dealer to hit. These are the most useful to memorize, as they will provide you with the best odds of winning.
Basic Strategy
You will almost always make the right play when you follow basic strategy, but remember that it is not perfect. The few mistakes you may make will not cost you too much money, and even the most experienced player will probably only miss one or two hands in a dozen hours of play!
To get the most out of your blackjack experience, you will want to be sure to follow these 10 rules. They are simple and easy to follow, and will help you reduce the house edge to as low as 1%.