BlackJack
Technically, Blackjack is a game that involves one or two players against the dealer.
The game, which is a substitute for casino banking games, consists of 52 cards, and the winner picks cards close but not exceeding 21.
It requires a well-calculated approach to score against the dealer. Therefore, Hop in and learn how to play online Blackjack successfully.
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Game rules
- The goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer.
- Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each.
- An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on the hand.
- A natural blackjack is a two-card hand with an Ace and a 10-value card, and it pays 3:2.
- If the player’s hand exceeds 21, it’s a bust and they lose.
- The dealer must draw cards until they reach a hand value of 17 or more. They must stand on a hand value of 17 or higher.
Betting Options
- Place your bet by placing chips in the betting circle.
- Minimum and maximum bet limits are displayed at the table.
- Additional side bets may be available (check table rules).
Player Actions
- Hit: Request an additional card.
- Stand: Decline additional cards and keep the current hand.
- Double Down: Double the initial bet and receive one more card.
- Split: If the first two cards have the same value, split them into two separate hands with a second bet equal to the initial bet.
- Insurance: If the dealer’s up card is an Ace, you can place an additional side bet (usually half the initial bet) to protect against the dealer having a blackjack.
- Surrender: Some tables allow surrendering, which means giving up half of the bet and not playing the hand.
Common Hand Signals
- Tap the table: Indicate “Hit”.
- Wave your hand horizontally: Indicate “Stand”.
- Place additional chips next to the original bet: Indicate “Double Down”.
- Splitting requires verbally announcing the intention to the dealer.
- Insurance and surrender options are usually indicated verbally to the dealer.
Card values
| CARD | VALUE |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 10 | 10 |
| Jack | 10 |
| Queen | 10 |
| King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
Payouts
| WINNING HAND | PAYOUT |
|---|---|
| Natural Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) | 3:2 |
| Standard Win | 1:1 |
| Insurance Win | 2:1 |
| Double Down Win | 1:1 (additional bet amount) |
| Split Hand Win | 1:1 (each hand) |
| Push (Tie) | Push (no payout) |
Probabilities of various outcomes
| OUTCOME | PROBABILITY (%) |
|---|---|
| Player Bust | 28% |
| Dealer Bust | 28% |
| Player Wins | 42% |
| Dealer Wins | 49% |
| Push (Tie) | 9% |
Basic strategy
| Player Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hard 5-8 | 2-9 | Hit |
| Hard 9 | 2-6, 8-9 | Double Down |
| Hard 9 | 7, 10, Ace | Hit |
| Hard 10 | 2-9 | Double Down |
| Hard 10 | 10, Ace | Hit |
| Hard 11 | 2-10 | Double Down |
| Hard 11 | Ace | Hit |
| Hard 12 | 2-3, 7-Ace | Hit |
| Hard 12 | 4-6 | Stand |
| Hard 13-16 | 2-6 | Stand |
| Hard 13-16 | 7-Ace | Hit |
| Hard 17-21 | All | Stand |
| Soft 13-15 | 4-6 | Double Down |
| Soft 13-15 | 2-3, 7-Ace | Hit |
| Soft 16-18 | 2-6 | Double Down |
| Soft 16-18 | 7, 8-Ace | Hit |
| Soft 19-21 | All | Stand |
| Pairs 2-2, 3-3 | 2-7 | Split |
How to win in Blackjack
Blackjack is an ancient game played since the 1960s, where more variants rules emerge on a seasonal basis. The successful players are good at card counting and strategizing on how not to exceed the target.
So the game is very advantageous for players even though the casinos are always creating more counter strategies that make winning difficult.
Technically, winning is determined by cards counting against 21. The players with higher chances of soft hands without busting may carry the win and bonuses. An Ace card and number 10 increase the chances of winning against the dealer.
Suppose the dealer lacks a counter of the numbers. In such cases, the player receives a bonus depending on the casino. A dealer wins automatically if the player exceeds 21.
And when a dealer exceeds 21, the player wins. A tie in hands or the sum of cards between the player and the dealer means everyone losses.
Winning in blackjack involves making strategic decisions based on the value of your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Here are some tips to increase your chances of winning in blackjack:
- Learn Basic Strategy: Familiarize yourself with basic blackjack strategy, which provides guidelines on when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Following basic strategy minimizes the house edge and improves your odds.
- Understand Card Values: Know the values of different cards in blackjack. This helps you make informed decisions based on the current hand value and the likelihood of busting.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your blackjack sessions and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford. Proper bankroll management ensures you can play within your means and reduces the risk of significant losses.
- Avoid Insurance Bets: Insurance bets may seem tempting when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, but statistically, it is not a favorable bet in the long run. It is generally recommended to avoid insurance bets to maintain a higher winning probability.
- Take Advantage of Doubling Down and Splitting: When the opportunity arises, consider doubling down on a favorable hand (usually 9, 10, or 11) and splitting pairs (like Aces and 8s). These strategic moves can maximize your potential winnings in certain situations.
- Observe Table Rules and Variations: Different blackjack tables and variations may have specific rules regarding doubling down, splitting, surrendering, and dealer actions. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the specific table you are playing at to adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Avoid Intoxication and Emotional Play: Playing blackjack requires concentration and decision-making. Avoid playing when you are intoxicated or emotionally compromised, as it can impair your judgment and lead to poor decisions.
- Practice Bankroll Discipline: Don’t let a winning streak tempt you into increasing your bets drastically. Stick to your predetermined bet sizes and avoid excessive risk-taking, even during winning streaks.
Blackjack terms
| TERM | MEANING |
|---|---|
| Blackjack | A hand consisting of an Ace and a 10-value card, resulting in an instant win. |
| Bust | When a hand’s total value exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss. |
| Double Down | A betting option where the player doubles their initial bet after receiving their first two cards, with the condition of taking only one additional card. |
| Hit | To request an additional card from the dealer to increase the hand’s total value. |
| Insurance | A side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, allowing players to protect their initial bet against the dealer having a blackjack. |
| Push | A tie between the player and the dealer, resulting in the original bet being returned without any winnings or losses. |
| Split | When a player has a pair of cards with the same value, they can split them into two separate hands, requiring an additional bet equal to the initial wager. |
| Stand | To decline receiving additional cards and proceed with the current hand. |
| Surrender | An option to give up half of the original bet and retire from the hand, typically available only on the first two cards. |
| Upcard | The dealer’s face-up card that is visible to all players. |
