A Beginner’s Guide to Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. It’s popular because it’s not just a game of chance; strategic decisions can significantly impact the outcome. Let’s dive into the essentials of how to play.

What is the Goal?

Your goal is to have a hand total higher than the dealer’s, without exceeding 21. Any hand with a value greater than 21 results in a bust, and you lose the round. It’s a common misconception that the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible.

Card Values

• Cards 2 through 10: They count as their numerical value.
• The Royals: All face cards are valued at 10.
• Ace: Can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever is more advantageous for the hand. For example, an Ace and casino a 6 is a “soft 17”.

The Gameplay: Player’s Choices

After placing your bet, casino you and the dealer are each dealt two cards. Typically, your cards are visible, but only one of the dealer’s cards is shown. Based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard, you have several options:

1. Draw: This means you want one more card from the deck.
2. Stand: You are satisfied with your current hand and wish to take no further action.
3. Double Down: This aggressive move lets you double your bet but restricts you to a single extra card. This is often the correct play on a starting total of 9, 10, or 11.
4. Splitting: This option is available when you have a pair, allowing you to play them as two independent hands. This requires an additional bet equal to your original wager.

Playing Smart

To be successful, you need more than just luck. Decades of computer simulations have determined the best possible move in every situation, which is known as basic strategy. You can find these charts easily, and casino they tell you the optimal move based on your cards and the dealer’s. Adhering to basic strategy minimizes the casino’s advantage to under 1%, casino one of the lowest edges available.