Blackjack is a game of chance played between the dealer and the player. The objective is to get a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer’s. Players are dealt two cards each and can choose to ask for more (hit) or stick with their current hand (stand). The value of each card is determined by its number, a face card as 10, or an ace as either 1 or 11. A blackjack pays 3:2 in most casinos. If the dealer gets a blackjack, they sweep the player’s bet and the round ends.
The rules of blackjack vary from one casino to the next. However, most games are similar in that the dealer receives two cards and the players can choose to hit or stand. The player’s goal is to beat the dealer by getting a higher hand than the dealer without going bust. If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, they win. If the dealer has a blackjack, they reveal their down card and sweep the player’s bet. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, they pay the player their original bet and any insurance bets are paid at 2:1.
When to double down
Double down when the odds are in your favor. This usually means you have a hand that is close to 21, but you could benefit from an additional card to make it perfect. For example, a pair of 2s has a very high chance of being dealt a 10 or an ace, which would dramatically improve your chances of hitting 21. But you should be careful and only double down when the card you need is likely to show up.
When to split
Splitting a pair of 2s or 3s is a good strategy for blackjack players. Doing so increases your chances of making a strong hand out of a weak one, and it allows you to play the dealer’s up card more effectively by spreading your risk over multiple hands. However, you must be aware that your total will decrease, and you should only do this when the other pair is a weak one or the dealer has an ace showing, which can mean he or she is likely to have a blackjack.
When to walk away
There are a lot of people who play blackjack who think that they can improve their winning percentage by increasing their betting amount every time they win or lose. While this can increase your short-term winnings, it can also burn out your bankroll quickly. Instead, you should stick to a steady betting level and only raise your bet when the table is hot. This way you’ll have a better chance of walking away with some money in your pocket.