Learning how to play blackjack is simple. For a first timer, it’s probably the best casino game to get started with. The house only has a small advantage, and a basic understanding of the game’s strategic elements is important for all players at the table.
The game begins with placing a bet on the table, which can vary per casino and pr game, so always check the game minimum and maximum bet amount. Once bets are placed, the dealer will deal two cards to each player and two to himself, one face up and one face down. To win at blackjack, you need to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. That sounds basic, but a key to blackjack for beginners is understanding the odds and basic strategy of when.
Okay, maybe you’ll never be Rain Man, but blackjack is one of the few games you can gain a thorough understanding of relatively quickly. This blackjack guide will explain the rules, odds, and lingo, helping you get to grips with one of the most glamorous games around.
History
Blackjack is thought to have originated in the casinos of 18th century France. It was known as ‘vingt-et-un’ and, although there were a number of differences in terms of rules and gameplay, it was strikingly similar to the modern game. Blackjack was introduced to North America in the 1800s, and after Nevada legalised gambling in 1931, its popularity skyrocketed. Today, it’s one of the most popular games in casinos all across the world.
Blackjack Rules
Blackjack rules are simple, but you’ll need a thorough grasp of them before you sit down to play! The aim of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a hand whose value exceeds theirs, while not exceeding 21.
For everyone learning how to play blackjack, it’s vitally important that you understand the value of each card in the deck. Cards numbered from two to 10 have face value, while Jacks, Queens, and Kings have a value of 10. It’s worth remembering that in blackjack, suits have no meaning.
Aces are the wildcard! They can be valued at either one or 11 – whichever gives you better odds of winning. If your ace is valued at 11, you have what is called a hard hand, whereas if the ace is valued as a one, you have a soft hand. Over the course of the round a hard hand may turn into a soft hand, depending on the cards which are subsequently dealt.
At the start of the game you’ll be dealt two cards. The dealer will also be dealt two cards, although only one of them will be face up. Depending on the value of your hand, as well as the value of the dealer’s hand, you will decide to either stand, receiving no more cards, or hit, receiving another card.
Players can also choose to double down, doubling their bet and receiving an extra card. If your hand is really awful you can surrender, forfeiting half your wager. If you’ve been dealt a pair of cards, you can choose to split the pair. Each hand will receive another card, and you’ll need to make another wager for the new hand.
The dealer will then reveal his cards, and whoever’s value is closest to 21 wins.
Blackjack Basic Strategy
Make no mistake, blackjack is a skill game, and an understanding of blackjack basic strategy is absolutely vital for any player.
By understanding when to hit, stand, split, or double down, players can improve their blackjack odds, reducing the house advantage to just 0.5%. In fact, players always have a slight advantage over the dealer in that they can choose whether to stand, hit, double down, or split – the dealer doesn’t have this option! In addition, players have the option of standing on hands valuing 12 to 16, whereas the dealer must hit, increasing their chance of a bust. Slots empire no deposit bonus codes.
Remember, before you make your next move, you should always consider the value of the dealer’s card. Is the value of his card good – two through to six – or bad – seven through to ace? You’re playing against the value of the dealer’s card, not the other players at the table, so working out the dealer’s odds of making blackjack is just as important as working out your own.
Now, let’s explore some of the basic tenets of blackjack strategy.
From odds to betting, a strong grasp of the blackjack basics is absolutely vital for any successful player.
Welcome to our guide on how to play blackjack. Blackjack is a strategic game that lets you decide between multiple actions in each hand. Joker games for free. This freedom makes blackjack exciting, but it can also lead to confusion.
You may have questions regarding when to split hands, double down, and more. This guide explains these concepts along with everything else you must know to play blackjack.
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It also covers the most important blackjack rules and the different settings where you can enjoy this game.
Goals of blackjack
Beat the dealer’s hand
Your primary goal in blackjack is to top the dealer’s score. You win if your hand score is higher than the dealer’s and you avoid busting out (covered next).
Avoid going over 21
Aside from requiring you to beat the dealer, blackjack also calls on you to avoid going over 21. You bust out and lose your bet if your score exceeds 21.
Play for fun slot machines. The dealer can also bust out, but they hold a decided advantage by acting last. They automatically win if you go over 21, regardless of whether they also bust out.
Cash in on double-down and splitting opportunities
Blackjack would normally carry a high house edge due to the dealer acting last. However, the casino includes some player-friendly rules to improve your chances of winning.
Doubling down and splitting are two such rules. These actions help you capitalize on favorable opportunities and earn more money. We will cover them later in this guide.
Blackjack hand actions
All blackjack tables give you the ability to hit, stand on, double down, and split hands. Some tables also offer the surrender option.
You may struggle to sort these hand actions out in the beginning. However, you can quickly master each action by learning about them one by one.
Stand
You stand when you’re satisfied with the current score and don’t want to hit or take any other action. For example, you hold 17 against the dealer’s five upcard and feel confident about your chances.
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Standing prevents you from risking a bustout. Your score is compared to the dealer’s total at the end of the round.
Hit
You hit when you want to improve your total. For example, you hold 15 compared to the dealer’s ten upcard and feel that the current odds are unfavorable.
How To Play Blackjack For Beginners
You can hit as many times as you like. However, your chances of busting out increase as you continue hitting.
Split
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Splitting refers to when you split a pair into two separate hands. For example, you hold a pair of nines and want to start a new hand with each nine.
You must make a separate bet for each newly formed hand. After placing the separate wagers, you play each hand under the same rules that you would a single hand.
Resplit
Most casinos allow you to resplit hands. The latter refers to when you split a hand that’s already been split once.
For example, you hold a pair of eights and split them. You receive another eight in one of the hands and can now resplit this hand.
Casinos limit you to three or four total hands per round. Also, some gambling venues prohibit you from resplitting aces.
Double down
Double down refers to when you double your original bet after receiving the first two cards. You receive one extra card and must stand on your three-card total.
For example, you bet $10 and receive two cards totaling ten. You double down, increasing your bet to $20, and receive a nine for a total of 19.
Some casinos allow you to double down on any two cards, while others impose restrictions and only let you double down on totals between nine and 11.
Early surrender
Early surrender lets you surrender your hand before the dealer checks for a natural blackjack. You must give up half your bet to use this option.
For example, you wager $10 and receive a total of 12 against the dealer’s ten upcard. You surrender your hand and $5.
Late surrender
Late surrender allows you to surrender your hand after the dealer peeks for a blackjack. You give up half your bet in this situation, too.
Insurance
The dealer offers you insurance when their upcard is an ace. In some casinos, dealers also offer this option if they’re showing a ten.
Insurance pays you 2:1 if the dealer gets a natural blackjack. You must wager half your original bet to take insurance.
Here’s an example:
- You wager $20.
- Your total is 18.
- The dealer’s upcard is an ace.
- You take insurance and wager an additional $10.
- The dealer gets a natural blackjack.
- Your original $20 bet loses.
- However, you win $20 back through insurance.
Steps to playing blackjack hands
Casinos offer a variety of blackjack tables that differ in their stakes and rules. Some establishments even feature unique variations, such as Blackjack Switch or Spanish 21.
If you’re new to blackjack, you should consider sticking with classic blackjack and low stakes. These tables help you learn the basics without forcing you to bet too much.