Blackjack is a game of chance, but it can also be a highly lucrative game when played correctly. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is easy to learn and can be a great source of entertainment. Some players have even fine-tuned a basic strategy that gives them an edge over the dealer.
The object of the game is to score a total higher than the dealer without going over 21 (busting). Blackjack is played with one or more standard 52-card decks. Number cards (2-10) are worth their numerical value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points, and Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11 points depending on what is needed to make a winning hand.
A player can play more than one hand per round, but each must be made up of a separate bet. Cash cannot be used to make a bet, and instead a player must use casino chips. These are purchased from the dealer after they have finished dealing the current hand. Once a player has enough chips to cover their bet, they must place them in the betting spots on the table.
During a hand, the dealer will deal two cards to each player and himself. The player can then decide whether to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender. The player must choose the best action for each situation based on their two cards and the dealer’s upcard. Memorizing a basic strategy chart is the best way to ensure that you are making the optimal decision for each hand. Never deviate from this chart, even if you “have a hunch.”
Once all the players have made their decisions, the dealer will check their hole card. If they have a ten underneath, then they will have a blackjack and will immediately pay any insurance wagers that were made 2 to 1. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, they will collect all of the player’s bets and continue the game.
Some casinos have reduced the 3 to 2 payout for blackjacks, which increases the house edge and makes it more difficult for a player to win. This rule is not universal, so it is important to read the rules of each table before playing.
During a hand, players can double down on any two cards except for splitting pairs. When the player’s initial two cards have a combined value of 11, doubling down is recommended because it gives the player one additional card that can potentially improve their total to 20 or 21. Splitting pairs requires the player to place an additional bet equal to the original bet. These two hands are then played independently of each other. If a pair of aces is dealt, the player may only re-split once. If they split a pair of fives, they will not be able to re-split them. This is a very important rule to remember when playing blackjack, as it will save the player money in the long run.