Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games. It has simple rules that have remained unchanged throughout the years and it’s easy to play. However, like any game of chance there are built-in house advantages that can be minimized with skill/knowledge and basic blackjack strategy.
The objective of the game is to get a higher total than the dealer without going over 21. Going over 21 is known as busting and results in an automatic loss for the player. Blackjack is usually played at a table for two to seven players and uses one to eight 52-card decks. Number cards (2-10) are worth their value, face cards (Jack, Queen and King) are worth 10 points, and an Ace can either be treated as 1 or 11.
Each player is dealt two cards and has the option to hit, stand, split or take insurance. A player must also consider the dealer’s up card and their own hand when making decisions. If a player has a better total than the dealer, they win. If they have an equal total to the dealer, it is a tie and no money is won or lost.
When to hit: It’s always a good idea to hit when your cards add up to 11 or less, because it is impossible for you to go bust at this point. You should also hit when the dealer has a lower than seven card and you have a soft hand, such as a six or three. When to stand: Generally, it’s a good idea to stand when your cards are worth 17 or higher, except when the dealer has a nine or higher. If you’re unsure about whether or not to stand, consult the expectation and probability tables that can be found on our Blackjack strategy pages.
When it comes to splitting, always split aces and eights. This is because aces will pay out 1:1 and 8s, if they are split, can, depending on the dealer’s upcard, allow you to cut your losses or even win some money.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to always double down on hard totals of 12 or more against a dealer’s 10. It’s also a good idea to double down on soft totals of 16 or more against a dealer’s 5 or 6.
Taking advantage of these tips can greatly improve your chances of winning at blackjack. However, it is important to remember that no system can guarantee success. There are no real “cheats” or tricks to increase your odds of winning at blackjack, but you can increase your odds of success by following a well-established strategy and playing in the right environments.