How to Beat the Dealer at Blackjack
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Blackjack is a casino card game where players compete against the dealer. The object of the game is to have a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game is played on a semicircular table which can accommodate varying numbers of players. The game starts when a player places their bet on the “betting area” of the table. This bet is typically made with chips of different denominations. The minimum bet per hand varies from casino to casino and also from table to table.
Before the cards are dealt a player may choose to double their bet by placing a second bet in front of the original. This is known as “doubling down”. The dealer will then deal two additional cards to the player and if they make a pair the player is paid out at 1:1. This is a good option for players with weak hands. It is important to note that doubling down only works when the first cards have a value of 10 or more.
After the players have had a chance to hit or stand, the dealer checks their hole card. If the dealer has a ten underneath, they have a blackjack and all players who did not bust win their original bets. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, they offer the players “even money” (i.e., 2 to 1) on their insurance wagers.
The players play against the dealer only and do not compete with each other. The goal of each player is to have a higher unbusted hand than the dealer. If the dealer has a blackjack, the players push (i.e., neither player nor the dealer wins).
A perfect hand of blackjack consists of an ace with a 10 or a Jack or Queen. This is also called a ‘blackjack’ or ‘natural’ and pays out 3 to 2. A hand with 21 points but no aces or tens loses to a two-card blackjack.
Unlike most casino games, players can increase their bets in blackjack. This allows them to take advantage of favorable situations and is one way to turn the odds in their favor. Other ways to improve your chances are through card counting and using information you gather while playing.
While there are countless books and websites that claim to teach you how to beat blackjack, most of these are misguided at best and rubbish at worst. There are, however, some solid bits of math that can help you beat the house edge in this popular casino game.
Another key factor in determining whether you will be a winner or loser at blackjack is knowing when to walk away from the table. Just like in poker, a hot blackjack table can quickly burn through your bankroll if you don’t know when to stop.