Blackjack, or 21 as it’s also known, is one of the most popular casino games. It’s simple enough for a newbie to get started but it has its fair share of strategy and tricks that even experienced players can learn from. Read on to learn more about how to play blackjack and maximize your chances of winning.
The object of the game is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. The game is played with a single or multiple decks of standard playing cards. Each card has a different value and face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth 10 points. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on which best helps your hand.
To start a round of blackjack, each player must place a bet in the betting circles or squares marked on the table. Then the dealer deals each player two cards face up. The player can then decide to “hit” and receive more cards or to “stand” and keep their current hand. The dealer will then draw cards until their hand is 17 or more and whoever has a higher hand value wins. If the dealer’s hand is equal to or exceeds 21, then the player’s wager becomes a push and no one wins.
If the player’s first two cards total 21 then they have a blackjack (also called a ‘natural’). This is an unbeatable hand and pays 3:2 on the original bet. However, if the dealer has blackjack too then it’s a tie and the player’s bet is a push.
Some Blackjack tables offer a side bet called insurance which pays out 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This bet is not generally advisable as it is statistically disadvantageous to the player.
The game of Blackjack grew in popularity after Edward O. Thorp outlined his basic strategy for beating the dealer in his 1963 bestselling book, “Beat the Dealer.” Although the game has been around for centuries, it was not until recently that it became more widely available online and in brick and mortar casinos. Since then, Blackjack has grown into a wildly popular and lucrative pastime for many. It is believed that the game’s name came from its French origin in 18th century, when it was called vingt-et-un, meaning “21.” Today, it is one of the most popular gambling games worldwide. In fact, you’ll find it in nearly every casino on earth. Many people are surprised to discover that this game is not based solely on chance and luck but rather on strategy and mathematics. This is why it’s important to understand the rules of blackjack before you begin to play. It’s also a good idea to practice on free blackjack games before you start making real money bets. It’s better to make small bets at the beginning than to risk all of your chips on a big bet and lose them all back.