Blackjack is a casino card game where players and the dealer compete to make the highest value hand. The game is played using one or more 52-card decks. Each card has a numerical value – either the number on the card, or ten for face cards, and one or 11 for the Ace. Players can choose to hit (request more cards) or stand (stop drawing) based on predetermined rules.
In most casinos, blackjack is played on a semicircular table that seats up to seven players (or “spots”). The player places a bet before receiving two cards from the dealer. The dealer then reveals his or her own face-down card and hits or stands according to predetermined rules. If the player’s hand is higher than the dealer’s, he or she wins and is paid out an amount equal to the original bet. If the dealer’s hand is higher than a player’s, he or she loses, and the bet remains on the table.
While there are a lot of misconceptions about blackjack, the objective is simple: beat the dealer. Achieving this goal can be difficult, but the house edge is incredibly low if you stick to basic strategy.
A common mistake made by blackjack players is to place side bets such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3. These bets come with large house edges and should be avoided at all costs. It is also important to practice responsible gambling by setting a budget for each blackjack session and never wagering more than you can afford to lose.
Using a blackjack chart is an effective way to improve your odds of winning. These charts list the correct moves for each situation based on the dealer’s upcard and your current hand total. They can be printed or downloaded, and should be kept next to you while playing blackjack. The chart will help you determine when to hit, double down, split, or surrender based on the rules of the specific blackjack game you’re playing.
When to hit
The most obvious reason to hit is when your cards add up to 11. It’s impossible for a player to bust at this point, and hitting will give you the best chance of improving your hand.
When to double down
Doubling down is a risky move that can be very profitable if done correctly. It is generally recommended to double down when your hand has a value of 11 or less, and when you are confident that an additional card will bring it up to a stronger total, such as 20 or 21.
When to split
It is always a good idea to split pairs of 8s and Aces in blackjack games. This is because splitting 8s will often result in significant gains, and splitting aces will allow you to better your chances of getting a blackjack by adjusting the strength of your hand based on the dealer’s upcard.
When to surrender
Surrendering in blackjack is a great option when you have a weak hand and the dealer has a strong upcard. The dealer will check for a blackjack before offering surrender, and early surrender is usually more beneficial than late surrender.
