Blackjack, casino also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. Its appeal lies in its perfect blend of luck and skill, giving knowledgeable players a genuine chance to beat the house. This guide will cover the basics to get you started.
Your Aim in Blackjack
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. Many beginners think they need to get to 21, but that's not quite right.
Card Values
- Cards 2 through 10: Their value is what's printed on them.
- J, Q, K: All face cards are valued at 10.
- A: This card is special; it can be 1 or 11. This flexibility creates what is known as a "soft" hand.
How a Round Works
After placing your bet, you and the dealer are each dealt two cards. Typically, your cards are visible, but only one of the dealer's cards is shown. Your turn consists of choosing one of the following actions:
- Take a Card: This means you want one more card from the deck.
- Stay: To take no more cards and end your turn.
- Double: You double your wager, but you are committed to taking just one final card. This is often the correct play on a starting total of 9, 10, or 11.
- Split: When your first two cards have the same value, you can separate them to form two new hands. You must place a second bet of the same amount on the new hand.
Improve Your Odds with Basic Strategy
You can improve your results by learning the game's strategy. 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 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%, one of the lowest edges available.
