Blackjack
Blackjack is a classic casino card game where players compete against the dealer to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. Known for its blend of skill and chance, Blackjack offers some of the best odds in the casino when played with optimal strategy.
Play Blackjack NowBasic Rules
- The goal is to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21
- Face cards are worth 10, Aces are worth 1 or 11, other cards are face value
- Each player starts with two cards, the dealer has one card face up and one face down
- Players can "Hit" to take another card or "Stand" to keep their current hand
- "Busting" occurs when your hand exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss
- The dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17
Special Plays
- Double Down: Double your bet and receive one more card
- Split: Separate two cards of the same value into two hands
- Insurance: Bet against the dealer having a natural blackjack
- Surrender: Give up half your bet and end the hand early
Blackjack Payouts
- Winning hand: 1:1 payout (you win the amount you bet)
- Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card): Usually pays 3:2
- Insurance bet: Pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack
- Push (tie): Your bet is returned
How to Play Blackjack
- Place your bet before the cards are dealt
- Receive your two cards and observe the dealer's face-up card
- Decide whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender based on your hand and the dealer's up card
- Continue to hit or stand until you're satisfied with your hand or you bust
- Once all players have finished, the dealer reveals their face-down card and hits or stands according to the rules
- If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's, or if the dealer busts, you win
Basic Strategy Tips
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 5s or 10s
- Double down on 11 unless the dealer has an Ace
- Hit on 12-16 if the dealer has 7 or higher
- Stand on 12-16 if the dealer has 2-6
- Always stand on 17 or higher
- Take insurance only if you're counting cards and know it's favorable
- Learn and use a basic strategy chart for optimal play
Advanced Techniques
While basic strategy is essential, some players use more advanced techniques to gain an edge:
- Card Counting: Keeping track of high and low cards to adjust bets and play
- Shuffle Tracking: Attempting to track certain cards or sequences through the shuffle
- Hole Carding: Trying to glimpse the dealer's hole card
- Team Play: Working with other players to share information and maximize wins
Note: While not illegal, casinos frown upon these techniques and may ask players to leave if caught using them.