Blackjack is a casino card game in which players compete against the dealer to get a total of 21 or to come closer to it without going over. Unlike other casino games, blackjack is one of the few that can be beat by application of solid mathematics and strategy.
Most versions of the game are played on a semicircular table that can accommodate seven players (or “spots”). Each player places a bet in a circle or rectangle adjacent to his or her own chip rack. The dealer, who is responsible for keeping track of the bets and distributing cards, stands behind the table and chip rack.
The game begins when the player and the dealer each receive two cards. The player can then choose to take more cards (“hit”) or not take any cards at all (“stand”). The goal of the game is to make a hand that is higher in value than the dealer’s without exceeding 21. If the player’s hand is higher, he or she wins and is paid an amount equal to his or her original wager; if it is less, the player loses. In the event of a tie, the player’s bet is returned.
A player who receives an ace and a 10 or face card, or any other combination of cards that makes up 21, is known as having a “natural” or a “blackjack.” If the dealer has a natural, he or she pays all players who do not have a blackjack one and a half times their bet. The dealer also collects any insurance bets that have been made.
In addition to basic strategy, many players employ a series of specialized plays or “tricks” to improve their odds. These trick plays are based on mathematical analysis of the game and can be very effective in reducing the house edge to near zero.
Many casinos, however, have changed the rules of the game to make it more difficult for players to beat it. For example, some have switched from 3 to 2 payout for blackjacks to 6 to 5. This increase in the house edge is especially harmful for those who use a card counting system.
Another common modification is the addition of side bets. These bets can include anything from betting on the color of the dealer’s face card to whether or not a player will bust. These bets add to the overall cost of playing the game and should be avoided by all but the most experienced blackjack players.
It is also important for players to realize that they must take into account the likelihood of making a good decision when choosing when to hit, stand, double or split. A player who attempts to hit a weak hand when the dealer has a strong showing is likely to bust, which decreases his or her chances of winning. On the other hand, a player who is over-confident about his or her ability to win will tend to risk more money than is prudent.