Blackjack is a popular card game that is played in casinos around the world. It is also known as “21” because the goal of the game is to get a hand that adds up to 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic rules of the game and give you some strategies and tips for winning.
Step 1: Know The Basics
Understanding the Cards Blackjack is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and each card has a point value. The cards numbered 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while the face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are each worth 10 points. The Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on the player’s choice.
Step 2: Place Your Bets
Placing a Bet Before the game begins, each player must place a bet in the designated betting area. Once all the bets have been placed, the dealer will deal two cards to each player and two cards to themselves. The dealer’s first card is dealt face-up, while their second card is dealt face-down.
Step 3: Understand Choices & Plot Game Plan
Playing the Game Each player’s objective is to get a hand that is worth more than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21 points. To do this, players have several options:
Hit
If a player wants to take another card to improve their hand, they can choose to “hit.” The dealer will then deal them another card.
Example: Let’s say you have been dealt a 9 and a 3, for a total of 12 points. You may decide to hit, and the dealer will deal you another card. Let’s say the card is a 7, bringing your total to 19 points. You can then choose to stand and hope the dealer’s hand is worth less than 19 points.
Stand
If a player is satisfied with their hand and does not want to take any more cards, they can choose to “stand.”
Example: Let’s say you have been dealt an Ace and a 10, for a total of 21 points. You would choose to stand, and the dealer would then reveal their cards to determine the winner.
Double Down
If a player is confident in their hand and wants to double their bet, they can choose to “double down.” This means that they will receive one more card and then be required to stand.
Example: Let’s say you have been dealt a 9 and a 2, for a total of 11 points. You may decide to double down, which means you will place an additional bet equal to your original bet. The dealer will then deal you one more card. Let’s say the card is a 10, bringing your total to 21 points. You would then stand and hope the dealer’s hand is worth less than 21 points.
Split
If a player has two cards of the same value, they can choose to “split” their hand into two separate hands. This requires an additional bet, but the player can then play each hand separately.
Example: Let’s say you have been dealt two 8s. You may decide to split your hand, which means you will place an additional bet equal to your original bet. The dealer will then deal you two more cards, one for each hand. Let’s say one of the hands is a 10 and the other hand is a 5. You can then play each hand separately, hoping to get a higher hand value than the dealer.
Surrender
In some casinos, players have the option to “surrender” their hand, which means that they give up half of their bet and do not play the hand.
Example: Let’s say you have been dealt a 10 and a 6, for a total of 16 points. If you don’t think you have a good chance of winning, you may decide to surrender your hand. This means you will give up half of your bet and not play the hand.
Step 4: Show Cards
Determining the Winner Once all the players have finished their turns, the dealer will reveal their face-down card. If the dealer’s hand is worth less than 17 points, they must continue to take cards until their hand is worth 17 or more. If the dealer’s hand is worth 17 or more points, they must stand.
If the dealer’s hand is worth more than 21 points, they lose and all the remaining players win. If the dealer’s hand is worth less than 21 points, each player’s hand is compared to the dealer’s hand, and whoever has the highest hand value without going over 21 wins.
Strategies and Tips for Winning
Here are some actionable strategies and tips that you can use to increase your chances of winning at blackjack:
- Always assume that the dealer’s face-down card is worth 10 points. This will help you make better decisions about when to hit or stand.
- If your hand is worth 11 points or less, always hit. If your hand is worth 17 points or more, always stand.
- If the dealer’s face-up card is worth 7 points or higher, and your hand is worth 12 to 16 points, always hit. Otherwise, always stand.
- If you have two Aces or two 8s, always split your hand. If you have two 10s, never split your hand.
- Never take insurance. This is a side bet that the dealer has a blackjack, and it is not a good bet
- Keep track of the cards that have been played. This can help you make better decisions about when to hit or stand.
- Avoid taking unnecessary risks. For example, if you have a hand worth 18 points, there is no need to take another card.
- Practice your strategy. Blackjack is a game of skill, and the more you practice, the better you will become.
- Know when to walk away. It’s important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. If you’re having a bad day at the tables, it’s better to cut your losses and come back another day.
Conclusion
Blackjack is a fun and exciting game that can be played by anyone. By following these simple rules and strategies, you can increase your chances of winning and have a great time at the casino. Remember to always gamble responsibly and have fun!
