Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is played with a standard 52-card deck and can be dealt two or eight cards to each player. Number cards (2-10) score their respective values, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) have ten points, and the Ace can either be scored as 1 or 11. In a blackjack hand, the goal is to beat the dealer’s total without exceeding 21. A player wins if their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s; a tie is a push and the player keeps their bet. When a player has a natural, they are paid one and a half times their bet.
Effective bankroll management is key to long-term success in blackjack. Establish a budget for each blackjack session and predetermine the amount you’re willing to risk per hand. This will keep you from making emotional decisions and putting yourself at risk of financial strain. It’s also important to set a limit on how much you want to win, as it is unrealistic to expect to make a profit every time you play blackjack.
The game is played with a single or multiple decks of cards, between 2-7 players, and the rules are slightly different from casino to casino. The most common method of counting cards in blackjack is the Hi-Lo system, which assigns point values to each card based on their rank. Other card-counting systems exist and can be used in conjunction with the Hi-Lo strategy.
When a player has two cards that total a value of 21 or an Ace with a picture card or 10, they have a “natural” and are paid a 1:1 payout. If the dealer has a natural, they collect the bets of all players who do not have them; if the dealer’s hand is lower than 21, the player wins. If the dealer’s hand is equal to the player’s, it’s a push and the player keeps their bet.
Splitting a pair of starting cards is a good strategy in blackjack. This is especially true when the dealer has a low-value card, like a seven or an eight. Then, the player can split their cards into two separate hands and play each one as a separate hand until they decide to stay or bust.
When to Hit
Statistically, you should always hit when your starting cards add up to 11 or less. It’s nearly impossible to bust when your cards are adding up to 11, and this is one of the most valuable ways you can improve your odds of winning.
In addition, you should only hit when the dealer is showing a nine or higher. It’s never a good idea to hit when the dealer has a six or below, because you have a better chance of busting and losing your bet. You should also avoid taking insurance, a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. In most casinos, the dealer asks for insurance bets before the first player plays.