Blackjack is the card game for intellectuals, mathematicians, and people who like a real chance of beating the house. It once pushed aside brawny craps as the preferred card game for people who like to win money. The key to making a profitable blackjack game is understanding the rules and following basic strategy. Then, you’ll have a much better chance of winning than the novice player.
The dealer deals two cards to each player, including himself, and then takes one of his own cards face up and puts the other on a little box on the table, called the “pit.” The players can then hit (ask for another card) or stand, or they can split their cards if the rules permit it. The dealer then pays winners and collects bets from losers.
Some casinos allow players to make side bets, such as insurance or “Dealer Match,” in which you place a bet on the dealer’s hole card. These side bets can be made before or after the dealer checks for a blackjack, and pay off 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. The dealer also often asks whether a player wants to take insurance before the first hand is played.
The best hand in blackjack is a natural, or 21 (an ace plus a card with value of 10), which pays 3 to 2. If you beat the dealer’s total without going over 21, your hand wins; however, if you go over 21 or the dealer has a higher total, the dealer wins.
Your score in blackjack is based on the point value of the cards you hold. The rank of the card equals its point value, and a Jack, Queen, or King is worth 10 points. All of your cards must add up to a total of 21 or higher, or you have a losing hand.
If the dealer has a blackjack, your hand ties. Likewise, a player who has a blackjack beats any other hand that is not a blackjack. In a tie, the bets are returned to the players without adjustment.
A game of blackjack isn’t as complicated as it looks, but the house edge can be 4-5% for a poor player. A good player can reduce this advantage to 0.5% by following simple rules.
A good blackjack strategy is to hit when the dealer has a weak upcard, stand on strong hands, and double when the dealer has an ace. In addition, it is important to know when to surrender, which lets you forfeit your bet and recover half of your initial bet before the dealer sees his card. This option is especially effective when it’s probable that you will lose your hand against the dealer’s upcard, or if the dealer has an ace. Taking insurance, on the other hand, is generally unwise because you have no idea of what the dealer has in his pocket.