Blackjack is a card game that involves skill and luck. Despite the many myths surrounding this game, there are specific rules and strategies that can help players maximize their winning potential.
The first step to beating blackjack is understanding the game’s basic strategy. This is the optimal way to play each hand based on the player’s cards and the dealer’s upcard. A computer analysis of the game shows that for every possible combination of a player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard, there is exactly one play (hit, stand, split, etc) that will result in the highest probability of winning.
In addition to basic strategy, you should also familiarize yourself with the game’s terms. Here are a few of them:
Blackjack: A hand that consists of an ace and a card with the value of 10; in most casinos this pays 3:2. Split: When a player has two starting cards that have the same value, such as a pair of eights or a pair of threes, they can choose to split the pair and play them separately. This requires a second bet equal to the original stake and each hand receives one additional card. You should always split aces and eights, but you should only split other pairs when the dealer is showing a 2 through 6 or an ace.
Stand: When a player has a total of 16 or more points, it is better to stand than to hit. This will minimize the likelihood of busting and give the dealer a better chance of making a higher-than-average hand. The only time it is not a good idea to stand is when the dealer has an ace up.
Hit: When a player has 17 or more points, it is usually best to hit. This will increase the chances of making a high hand and improve the odds of beating the dealer. However, it is important to remember that there is a possibility of busting, so you should always be cautious and never over-play your hand.
The dealer: When the dealer has an ace up, she may offer insurance to players. This is a side bet that pays out at 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. Statistically, you should never buy insurance; you will lose more money by doing so than you will win back from it.
Surrender: If the casino allows it, a player can forfeit their hand and halve their bet after the dealer checks for blackjack. Look for a sign stating the rules, or ask the dealer.