Blackjack is a card game that is a mix of luck and skill. You can learn some basic strategies to maximize your chances of winning.
The goal of the game is to have a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s. If your hand is closer to 21, you win the bet.
Game rules
Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer. The goal is to have a total value that is closer to 21 than the dealer does.
To play the game, players put chips in a betting circle in front of them. They then decide whether to “hit,” “stand,” or “split” their cards.
Players can also “surrender,” which is a half-bet that they give up and retire from the game. This is a good option for players who feel their chances of winning are too small.
Bets
Blackjack is a game of chance where you compete with the dealer to accumulate a higher point total than he does. You do this by taking the cards in your hand and combining them with those in the dealer’s hand.
The value of the cards in a hand is determined by their face value. A two of hearts, spades, or diamonds equals 2 points; a three of clubs, or four of diamonds equals 3 or 11 points (your choice); and an ace counts either as one or eleven.
A player can also place a side bet on the game, which can help them win more often than they lose. These bets can include Insurance, Dealer Match, and other types of wagers.
Dealer’s face-up card
In blackjack, one of the dealer’s cards is face-up so that players can see it. The other card is face-down, known as the ‘hole card’.
If the dealer’s face-up card is a ten-card or an ace, players are offered the option to take insurance.
When you do so, you place an additional bet on the table equal to half of your original bet. If the dealer has a ten-value card on their first two cards, this bet is paid out at 2 to 1; otherwise it’s lost.
Insurance
In blackjack, you can make a side bet called insurance. This bet pays out at two-to-one odds if the dealer’s up card is an ace. However, you will lose your main bet if you take insurance.
Typically, players who are playing blackjack will choose to take even money instead of taking insurance. This is because even money offers a 3 to 2 payout on a player’s blackjack against the dealer’s ace.
Despite its clever marketing, blackjack players should avoid taking even money because it will cost them more in the long run. In fact, it’s one of the most common mistakes made by new and casual players.
Surrender
Surrendering is a game-specific strategy that helps you reduce your losses by preserving half of your stake. It is also an excellent option for reducing the house edge.
In Blackjack, a player may surrender their hand in exchange for forfeiting half of their wager. This is often done when a player feels that they have a weak initial hand, especially one that is unlikely to win against the dealer’s upcard.
Surrendering is not offered at all casinos, but it is a common rule in some online and land-based casinos. It is rarely mentioned on the table, and players must ask if it’s available.
