Blackjack is a classic casino table game that will never lose its allure. Blackjack is fun to play, easy to learn and if you play using a basic strategy, it can be very profitable.
In blackjack, each player is dealt two cards face up. The dealer has one card facing up and one card facing down (known as the hole card). The player to the left of the dealer is the first person to act. Players have the option to either hit, stand, double down or split. The appropriate action is taken based on what two cards each player has been dealt and what card the dealer is showing face up. The goal is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
The 2 through 10 cards are counted at face value. Suited cards count as ten and an ace can count as a one or an eleven. If you don’t have an ace in your hand, its considered a “hard” hand because the hand can only have one value. Hands that contain an ace are considered “soft” hands because the value of your hand can change.
If you hit, you will be dealt another card. You can choose to draw additional cards as you see fit. If you stand, you signify that you are satisfied with your current hand. Doubling down means that you’ve decided to double your bet after receiving your first two cards. You then get one additional card to complete your hand. Most online casinos will allow you to double down with any two cards, while some places will permit doubling down only if you’re holding a ten or eleven. If you happen to be dealt to cards of the same rank, you can choose to split the pair into two separate hands. This requires an additional bet that is equal to your initial bet. Each hand is then played one at a time, with your two separate bets resting next to each hand. The dealer draws another cards for your first split hand and you can choose to hit or stand. After that round is complete, you move to your second split hand and again choose to hit or stand. Many online casinos will let you double down after you split.
There are strategy charts that you can find on the web that will instruct you how to play a particular hand based on what you have and what the dealer’s up card shows. These charts will give you a chance to lower the casino’s edge by making mathematically sound decisions based on probable outcomes.
If your first two cards add up to 12 or 16, then you have what’s considered a “stiff” hand. A stiff hand can easily be busted with another hit. If the dealers up card is a 2 through 6, then that is considered a stiff hand for the dealer. A “pat” hand is a hand in which your two cards add up to 17 or better and you stand. If the dealer up card is a seven through ace, the dealer has a pat hand. If you and the dealer both have a stiff hand, you stand and if you have a stiff hand and the dealer has a pat hand, you hit.
If you study strategy charts, you can drastically reduce the casino’s edge. Learn how to play the game correctly and you can make some serious cash.
