Blackjack is one of the most popular card games available in casinos. Its simple rules make it easy to learn and play. The game is played against the dealer, not other players, and the house edge is relatively low compared to other casino table games. However, it is important to understand the game mechanics and expected outcomes in order to beat the house.
Getting Started
Before you can begin playing blackjack it is important to set your bankroll and understand the betting limits of each table. This will help you determine how much to bet per hand and how long you can play each session. A seasoned blackjack player will know how to stretch their bankroll and play as many hands as possible within a limited amount of time.
Keeping track of the number of cards is also important in blackjack. This is called the running count, and it can be used to calculate the expected value of a hand. By counting the cards as they are dealt, you can increase your chances of winning by making more informed decisions.
Basic Strategy
Basic blackjack strategy is a system of card-counting that helps you predict when the dealer will bust and when you should stand or hit. The system was first devised by US Army engineers in the 1950s and has been refined over the years, with millions of hand simulations performed. While it is not foolproof, it has helped many players improve their odds of beating the dealer.
When to Double Down
In blackjack, doubling down is an excellent option when you have a good starting hand. The best time to double down is when you have an 11 against the dealer’s card that is not a 10. You can also double down with a soft 18 or below against a 10 or an ace. However, you should never split two sevens or face cards.
When to Surrender
A lot of people don’t realize that you can surrender in blackjack if the dealer has an ace showing. This is a great way to avoid losing your money and it is especially helpful when the dealer has a weak card like a six. However, it is important to remember that you are still going to lose half of your original wager if you surrender.
How to Beat the Dealer
Once all of the players have taken their turn, the dealer will draw another card for his or her hand. Then whoever has a total closer to 21 than the dealer wins. If both the dealer and player have a total of 21, it is considered a push (tie) and neither the player nor the dealer wins.
Whenever the dealer shows an ace, you can make a side bet called insurance. This is a bet of up to half your original stake that the dealer has blackjack. It is not a very profitable bet for most players, but it can be worthwhile in certain situations.