Blackjack is a great casino game for beginners due to its low house edge and straightforward rules compared to more complex card games like Texas Hold’em. You can start playing 21 sooner than you think by learning the basics. This article goes into depth with basic blackjack rules and strategy to help you get that 3:2 payout.
How to Add Blackjack Cards
Unlike poker, playing blackjack real money casino games counts cards like this:
Card Playing Value
- Ace Counts for 1 or 11 points
- 10 Counts as 10 points
- Kings, Queens, Jacks count as 10 points
- Deuce through Nine Count straight up as their value
Some players start off with a chart to help them learn when to hit and stand. We’ll talk about that next.
Basic Blackjack Moves
If your first two cards equal 21, a natural blackjack, you receive a 3:2 payout. However, that’s not the case in most instances. To help you navigate a successful round without busting, which means going over 21, these are the basic blackjack steps.
- Hit: To hit is to draw an additional card during the playing round. There is no limit to hitting. However, each hit runs the risk of busting.
- Stand: To stand means to finish the blackjack round with the cards you have. Of course, you can stand after your first two cards. However, standing too early might have you finishing with a losing hand.
- Double Down: Works like hitting, but you draw one final card during the round. To double down also means matching your original bet. There is the risk of busting, or finishing with a weak hand and losing.
- Splitting: Most blackjack games support breaking up a pair of cards with the same value into two separate hands. The odds of having two winning hands increase. To split also means matching your original bet.
Many blackjack games, such as Blackjack x-Change, support late surrender. When you know you have a weak playing hand, you can help prevent a big loss by folding early.
The Dealer’s Moves
Except for European Blackjack, the dealer also begins the game with two cards. The first card is face up, which is known as the upcard, so players can help decide to hit or stand. The second card is dealt face down, which in poker terms is known as the hole card.
If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, most blackjack games give players the chance to purchase insurance. This is because there is a great likelihood that the dealer’s hole card is a face or a ten card, giving them 21. The problem with insurance is that if you still manage to win, you still lose the insurance bet. Furthermore, variants like Atlantic City Blackjack allow the dealer to peek at the hole card to see if they have 21, which means an automatic loss.
In most blackjack games, if the player and dealer finish with the same playing hand value, the game ends in a tie, including 21. However, in Spanish 21, the player’s blackjack always wins out. In most blackjack games, the dealer must hit until 17 or better. If the dealer starts with a soft 17, they must stand.
When to Hit, Stand, and More
The best time to hit is when your playing hand is worth 11 or less. You don’t have to worry about busting, so why not? Many beginners stand on 13, or even 12. However, because the dealer must hit until 17 or better, some players continue to hit at least once more.
By all means, if you have a playing hand worth 11, double down. Again, you don’t have to worry about busting, and you might just hit 21. Always split aces, because they count for 11 points, and the odds of having two winning hands go up dramatically. Furthermore, splitting aces or any pair, for that matter, removes the chance of busting.
Micro Checklist Before You Play
Before playing blackjack, consider this quick list to get the most out of your playing experience:
- Only play at licensed online casinos for fair gameplay.
- Consider playing one hand at a time so you don’t stretch yourself too thin.
- Of course, always have a budget before sitting down.
- Be wary of side bets. The odds of winning them are not on your side.
When playing at online casinos, there are great bonuses to help you improve your bankroll.
FAQs
Can I play blackjack online?
Most online casinos support many blackjack games. In many cases, you can play variants like Lightning Blackjack online that you can’t play in person.
How do I learn how to play blackjack?
Many beginners learn by watching others, even online. Some start with a blackjack strategy chart. Also, some online casinos support demo play.
What’s the best blackjack game?
Ultimately, the one that you are the most comfortable with and can safely afford to play. Most beginners start with Classic Blackjack for its simple gameplay.
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