Blackjack is a game of skill where you aim to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 than they are. You play the game using one or more 52-card decks. The cards are worth their face value – 10 for aces and faces, and 1 for all other cards – and they are dealt to you and the dealer in turn.
After each player has been dealt two cards they can choose to “hit” (request additional cards) or “stand” (keep their current hand). The dealer will then reveal his/her face up card and determine the winner based on predetermined rules.
The odds of winning a hand in blackjack depend on how you play it, as well as the rules of the house where you are playing. There are a number of different betting strategies in blackjack, but the best way to maximize your chances of winning is by using the blackjack basic strategy chart. The chart will tell you the best move to make based on your current hand and the dealer’s up card.
To use the chart, find a blackjack table and locate your current hand in the left-hand column. Then, move to the corresponding box on the right of the chart for a detailed description of what the best play is for that situation.
If your hand is a total of 16 or higher, you should always split Aces and 8s, even against the dealer’s showing of 10. This will result in significant gains for you, especially with Aces. You should also hit if you have a hard 14 against the dealer’s showing of 9 or 10, and always surrender on a soft 17 against a dealer’s showing of 2 or 3.
Once you’ve made your decision about whether to hit or stand, you must then consider the dealer’s up card. If it is a 3, 4, 5, or 6, you should hit, as it will give you a better chance of beating the dealer. If the dealer is showing a 7 or 8, you should stand, as it will be difficult to improve your hand with additional cards.
When it comes to side bets in blackjack, the most important thing is to remember that you are trying to beat the dealer – not the other players at your table. So avoid side bets like Perfect Pairs and 21+3 as they have a high house edge. It’s also important to practice responsible gambling and never bet more than you can afford to lose. For more information, check out wikiHow’s Blackjack Cheat Sheet here.