Blackjack is a game of chance and skill. The goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 than theirs. The dealer must follow certain rules to determine whether a player can win.
The first step in playing blackjack is selecting a seat. Typically, a blackjack table can hold five to seven players. If you see an open seat, it is usually okay to join a game in progress (unless chips or a coat are holding the spot for a player who has stepped away for a moment).
When players make their wagers, they can also place “insurance” bets, which pay 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack. Players can also choose to double down or split their cards if the dealer shows a face card. Generally, the dealer will ask for insurance bets before they deal their cards. In some casinos, the dealer will take a player’s insurance bet and immediately pay off the money. In other casinos, the dealer will wait until the end of the round to do so.
After the player has made their bets, the dealer will reveal their hole card and draw more cards according to predetermined rules. When the dealer has a blackjack, they pay off all other players who have naturals. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, they sweep the players’ bets and keep their own bet. If both the dealer and a player have naturals, it is considered a tie or push and neither side wins.
In the last two decades, many Blackjack side bets have become popular with players. Some of these bets are very complex and can significantly improve a player’s edge over the house. Side bets can include betting on getting a pair as your first cards, doubling against 2 through 8, and standing against a 10. A player’s edge in a Blackjack game depends on the strategy they adopt, and many professional players have developed advanced strategies.
Once the player has determined the strength of their hand, they must decide if they should hit or stand. The basic rule is to always hit when the dealer has a 7 or higher, and to stand with a hand value of 16 through 21. The exception is when the dealer shows an ace, which can mean a good hand or a bad one. In this case, the player should stand against a 10 and double up on 9 through 11.
Math can be frightening when it’s on a test, but in the context of Blackjack, it’s a powerful tool for beating the casino. In 1956, a group of U.S. Army mathematicians known as the Baldwin group published an article in the Journal of the American Statistical Association that described for the first time a mathematically sound set of Blackjack rules. This approach, now called basic strategy, is a key factor in successful blackjack play. Ultimately, the goal of any blackjack player is to beat the dealer without going over 21, and this can be accomplished through careful planning and practice.
