Blackjack is a card game played using one or more 52-card decks, each of which has a value of 10 or 11 for face cards and an ace that has either a 1 or an 11. It’s a simple, yet challenging and exciting game. The dealer and players each get two cards, and the goal is to have a hand that totals as close to 21 as possible without going over.
The Dealer’s Job
Blackjack involves the dealer – usually a croupier or a pit boss – making decisions based on rules and strategies. Depending on the casino, the dealer will use a live or mechanical shuffler or a continuous shuffler (CSM). The CSM shuffles the cards after every round and can result in more hands being dealt per hour and your bankroll being exposed to more risk.
How to Play
Choosing the right blackjack strategy is the best way to make money at the casino. There are many different blackjack strategies that are designed to maximize your chances of winning while minimizing your losses. You’ll want to choose a strategy that is applicable at the casino you’re playing at, and that suits your personal preferences and budget.
Basic Strategy
The most common and effective strategy is the basic strategy, which is a combination of rules that inform you of the best way to play every hand you receive. This is a mathematically correct strategy and maximises your chance of bagging a big win whilst minimising your losses.
Double Down
In blackjack, doubling down means placing another bet equal to the original wager in exchange for an additional card. After the dealer lays the card down facedown, you can then decide whether to continue betting or surrender. If you choose to surrender, your wager will be reduced to half of your initial wager.
Splitting
If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into separate hands and double your bet in the process. This is a great option when you have a high hand and you’re sure that the next card won’t cause you to go bust.
Counting Cards
Counting cards is one of the most popular blackjack strategies. This technique involves watching the cards in the deck and assigning a running value to each one. This allows you to calculate whether the cards in the deck are likely to be large or small and adjust your bet accordingly.
Betting Limits
Before you head to a casino, consider the minimum and maximum bet limits for the game. These will help you calculate your total betting amount, and ensure that you play at the table that fits your budget.
Surrendering
If you are worried about losing your bet, you can choose to surrender before the dealer has peeked at your hole card. This is a good move in certain situations, but it’s not something you should do on a regular basis.
Live Chat
Online casinos offer a live chat feature where you can interact with other players and the dealer while playing blackjack. This is a great way to communicate with other gamblers and get advice from them. However, be careful not to abuse this feature or send rude texts as it could result in you being banned from the table.