Blackjack is a casino game that uses one or more 52-card decks and the objective of the game is to accumulate cards that total as close to 21 as possible without going over. It is a very popular game with players from all over the world and there are a number of different strategies that can be used to improve your chances of winning at this classic casino game.
Basic Strategy – How to Play and Win at Blackjack
The first step in learning to play blackjack is to understand the rules of the game. The goal of the game is to try and get as close to 21 as possible without going over, while at the same time keeping the house edge as low as possible.
There are two main strategies that you can use when playing blackjack: stand and hit. These strategies are based on the rules of the game and your own hand. If you are unsure about how to go about applying these strategies, then you should refer to a basic blackjack chart.
Split 8s and Aces – This is an excellent strategy to use when playing blackjack as it gives you the opportunity to increase your bankroll by making an extra bet on each hand. It is also a good idea to split 8s and aces regardless of what the dealer shows, as this will give you more chance of winning.
Never Split 10s – This is the biggest mistake that many players make when playing blackjack. Having a pair of tens is not the best starting hand in blackjack, as it will often cost you an extra bet on each hand. It will also be more difficult to play blackjack as a result.
Double Down – This is another great betting option for blackjack and is a fantastic way to minimize the house edge. It is important to remember that double downs should only be done when your total is 11 or higher, unless you are playing against a dealer with an Ace.
Insurance – This is a side bet that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a ten as their face up card. It can be a good strategy to place an extra bet on insurance before the dealer checks for blackjack, as this will ensure that your original bet is paid out in the event of the dealer having a ten as their up card.
Hold – This is the second most important basic strategy that you should know when playing blackjack. It is important to know when it is a good idea to hold your hand instead of standing.
When it is a bad idea to hold, you should consider surrendering your hand. This is a method that many casinos do not offer, but it can be an excellent strategy to use if you feel that there is a very high probability that you will lose your hand.
When you are playing blackjack, it is a good idea to try and play in manually-shuffled games rather than those that are dealt with a CSM or auto shuffler. This is because the odds of a blackjack being dealt are significantly lower in manually-shuffled games than those that are dealt with a CSM. It is also a good idea to choose games that are played in full tables as this will ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning at the table.
