The Basics of Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games and it can be played both in traditional land-based casinos and online. The game has many variations and rules, but the basic objective remains the same: to beat the dealer without going over 21. In this article we will discuss the basics of blackjack and some tips that will help you improve your chances of winning.

Counting cards is a technique that can be used to increase your odds of beating the dealer in blackjack. There are a variety of card counting systems, but the most common is the Hi-Lo method. Counting cards gives you an idea of which cards are likely to be dealt and lets you predict when to hit or stand. This is particularly helpful when playing against a dealer that has a high probability of busting.

The dealer’s turn

In most versions of blackjack, the players’ first two cards are placed face up on the table. The dealer then takes a second card and places it face up on the table as well. If the player’s first two cards are an ace and a face card (or picture card) this is known as a “blackjack” and the player receives a payout of one and a half times their bet.

When to hit

In blackjack, you should always hit when your hand value is 17 or higher and when the dealer’s face-up card is lower than an ace. You should also hit when you have a hand value of 12-16 and the dealer has a face-up card of 7 or higher. In a blackjack tournament, you should also double down when you have a hand value of 10 or 11 and the dealer’s upcard is 9 or higher.

When to split

You can split a pair of cards in blackjack by placing a second bet equal to your original one and playing the two hands separately. This strategy can be very profitable and should be used when your starting cards are a pair such as two nines or two threes. However, you should never split aces or eights.

When to surrender

Surrendering a blackjack hand is not an option for all players, but when it’s available it can significantly decrease your losses and increase your winnings. You should only surrender when your total is 16 against a dealer’s 10. Some dealers will allow early surrender, in which case you can forfeit the hand and cut your bet in half before the dealer checks for blackjack. Others will only allow late surrender, in which case you can forfeit the remaining half of your bet after the dealer checks for blackjack. If you’re playing in a casino, be sure to look for a sign indicating which kind of surrender is allowed.