Blackjack Basics: Everything You Need to Know
Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. It's popular because it's not just a game of chance; strategic decisions can significantly impact the outcome. This guide will cover the basics to get you started.
The Objective of the Game
The primary objective in blackjack is simple: beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. Going over 21 is an automatic loss, known as a bust. It's a common misconception that the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible.
How Cards are Scored
- Cards 2 through 10: Are worth their face value.
- J, Q, K: Are each worth 10 points.
- Ace: Can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever is more advantageous for the hand. For example, an Ace and a 6 is a "soft 17".
Your Decisions at the Table
Once bets are in, the deal commences with two cards for every player and the dealer. Your cards are usually dealt face up, while the dealer has one card face up (the "upcard") and one face down (the "hole card"). Based on your hand and the dealer's upcard, you have several options:
- Take a Card: This means you want one more card from the deck.
- Stay: To take no more cards and end your turn.
- Double Down: You double your wager, but you are committed to taking just one final card. This is usually a good option when your first two cards total 9, 10, or 11.
- Split a Pair: This option is available when you have a pair, allowing you to play them as two independent hands. This requires an additional bet equal to your original wager.
Playing Smart
You can improve your results by learning the game's strategy. For casino any given player hand against any dealer upcard, there is one mathematically correct decision; this is called basic strategy. You can find these charts easily, casino and casino they tell you the optimal move based on your cards and the dealer's. Adhering to basic strategy minimizes the casino's advantage to under 1%, casino one of the lowest edges available.
