The Basics of Blackjack
Blackjack is a game in which players try to get cards that add up to 21. Face cards are worth 10, numbered cards are worth their printed value, and aces can be counted as either 1 or 11.
The game of blackjack involves skill and luck. However, you can improve your odds by following optimal blackjack strategies.
Rules
Blackjack is a card game played against the dealer. The player must aim to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 or higher on the first two cards dealt. Players can also double down after receiving their initial two cards, but they must be careful not to bust (exceed a total of 21).
Side bets are available in most blackjack games, and a few offer a sufficient win rate for advantage play. Side bets are usually countable, but only a few can benefit from a dedicated card counting system.
The rules of a particular blackjack game may vary slightly, but they all share the same fundamentals. For example, a game might require the dealer to hit on soft 17 while another requires him or her to stand.
Bets
Blackjack has a number of different betting systems that can help you win more money. The most popular are positive progression systems that increase your bet amount when you’re winning and lower it when you lose. These include the Paroli system, the 1-3-2-6 system, and the D’Alembert system.
Other methods of gaining a casino edge in blackjack include card counting. Although casinos frown upon this practice, it is perfectly legal if done discreetly and with a small enough bankroll that it doesn’t raise red flags. Using shuffle tracking to gain an advantage is also possible, but it requires extensive research and knowledge of the game. The size of your initial betting unit is also important. Ensure that you always win at least one betting unit, regardless of the outcome.
Variations
Blackjack has many variations, which emerge from where the game is played and what rules are mostly followed locally. Some of these are unique and at times advantageous to players.
For example, Vegas Strip blackjack derives its name from the place where it originated – Las Vegas – and uses four decks to prevent cheating. In this variation, the dealer may peek at his up card only when he has an ace.
The payout on a blackjack is also different in some variants. Some allow you to split aces multiple times and others do not. Some casinos also restrict the number of times you can resplit a pair. The house edge on a split is around 0.14% higher than in a non-resplit game. Some blackjack variants also offer side bets with larger payouts.
Insurance
While the insurance option in blackjack seems tempting, it’s not something you should ever consider if you want to improve your chances of winning. It actually increases the house edge and will cost you money in the long run. It also has nothing to do with your initial stake, so you can’t use it to protect your own hand if the dealer has a blackjack.
However, there are some situations in which the insurance bet can make sense. It’s particularly useful in multiplayer hands where the shoe is rich in 10-value cards. This makes it a decent option for players who are good at card counting and can spot these spots in advance. For other players, it’s simply a sucker bet and should be avoided.
Dealer’s face-down card
The dealer is dealt two cards, one face up and the other face down. If the dealer has a blackjack they expose the card and immediately win the round. Then all players lose their original bet unless they have a player blackjack. The dealer may offer a side bet called Insurance. This is a bet that pays out if the dealer has an Ace up card and the player’s first two cards make a value of 21. Other side bets are sometimes available. These can vary from game to game. The objective is to beat the dealer and not beat yourself.