Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It’s easy to learn, and can be fun for all ages. However, it’s important to understand the rules of the game before you start playing it.
The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting a total higher than the dealer’s or equal to 21, without going over. You can do this by hitting, standing or doubling down your bet.
There are several ways to win at blackjack, but the best way is to follow a strategy. This will allow you to maximise your winnings while minimizing your losses.
Basic Strategy
The basic blackjack strategy is a set of rules that combines information about the dealer’s upcard and your hand to give you the best chance at winning while maximising your chances of losing less money than you would otherwise. It is a mathematically correct strategy that will help you to increase your chances of winning and minimise your losses, whilst also keeping your bankroll safe.
When to Hit or Stand
The best time to hit is when the dealer has a two or a three. It is always better to hit on eight or less than a twelve, but you should never bust on anything over twelve, regardless of what the dealer has.
When to Double Down
The most common starting hand is 11 (a ten-valued card and an ace) so it’s a good idea to double down whenever you have this combination. This will mean that you’ll finish with a total of 21 and will be more likely to beat the dealer’s hand than you would have with an eight or nine-valued card.
When to Split
You should always split when you have a pair of cards that are equal in value. It’s especially important to split if you’ve got a hand that’s 10+10. This is because the casino will probably be able to draw more cards than you can.
When to Take Risks
If you’re not sure about the outcome of a particular hand, don’t risk any more than you can afford to lose. This will help you to stay on top of the action and avoid making mistakes that could cost you more than your initial stake.
When to Play Countably
The ability to keep a running count of the deck of cards is a vital skill in the game of blackjack. It will help you to win or lose more quickly than you would normally.
When to Count The Cards
If you are playing in a live casino, you should keep an eye on the cards being shuffled. Often this will allow you to know when the deck has been changed and you may be able to increase your bet.
When to Stand or Double Down
In a live casino, you should always stand or double down when you have a hand that is valued less than seven. This is because the dealer will usually have a hand value of seven or less, so you will be more likely to bust than if you had a hand worth eight or more.
