What is Blackjack?
This popular card game is all about getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible, without going over. Cards used to play the games have different values: the number cards are worth their face value, the face cards are 10, and ace cards can count as either 1 or 11. In this game, you’re playing against the dealer, trying to beat their hand total. You’ll find different blackjack games that use one or more playing card decks.
Rules of Blackjack
The goal of blackjack is pretty straightforward: get a hand value higher than the dealer’s, but don’t go over 21. You get dealt two cards to start, and then you can choose to hit and get more cards, or stand with what you’ve got. The dealer also starts with two cards, one face-up.
If your hand total goes over 21, that’s a bust, and you’re out. But if the dealer busts, then all players still in the game automatically win. When neither the players nor the dealer bust, it comes down to who has the better hand value.
One other key move to note is “double down.” If you like your starting hand, you can double your bet amount. But in exchange, you only get one more card added to your hand.
How to Play Blackjack
First, you’re required to place an ante bet before the cards get dealt. There will be minimums and maximums posted on the table. Once everyone’s bets are in, the dealer will dish out two cards to each player, face-up, so you can see what you’re working with.
Now it’s decision time: you can “hit” to get another card to try and improve your hand, or “stand” if you like what you’ve got. After all the players have played their hands, it’s the dealer’s turn. They’ll flip over their hidden card and hit or stand, following the casino’s rules. Finally, it’s showdown time. If you didn’t bust by going over 21, the hand closest to 21 wins against the dealer.
The Best Blackjack Strategies
Blackjack is a game of luck and skill, so you have to learn the key strategies required to have a higher chance of winning. Check out some of key techniques below:
- Opt for a stand when your hand is 12-16, and the dealer shows 2 to 6:Â
If your hand totals 12 to 16 and the dealer is showing a 2 through 6 on the card face up, that’s usually a good spot to stand. Their low upcard means they’ll likely bust when forced to take more hits, so there’s no need to risk it yourself.
- Go for a hit when your hand is 12-16 and the dealer shows 7-Ace:Â
If you’ve got 12-16 but the dealer is showing a 7 or Ace, the best step is to take a hit. With the dealer’s strong upcard, you have to assume they’ve got a decent hand already. So you’ll want to take a card and try to improve your total to outdo whatever the dealer’s likely sitting on.
- Split Aces and 8s
This strategy is an excellent way to significantly increase your odds. When you’re dealt a pair of Aces or a pair of 8s, you’ll always want to split them into two separate hands. Splitting those aces gives you two chances at starting with an 11—a super strong hand to begin with. On the other hand, splitting 8s prevents you from getting stuck on 16 total, which is so tough to win with.
- Hit or double down on Aces-6
When you get dealt an Ace alongside a small card in the 2 to 6 range, it’s smart to hit or double down. The Ace’s flexibility as 1 or 11 lets you take a shot at improving without risking too much.
- Go for a double down when you have 11 cards total and the dealer shows 2-10Â
If your first two cards total 11 and the dealer’s showing a card between 2 and 10, it’s usually a good idea to double down. When you double your bet, you get one more card, which could make your hand even better. This move works well because there’s a good chance of getting a 10-value card.
5 Tips for Improving Your Winning Chances
When approaching blackjack as a newbie, having some tips at the back of your mind can help you learn the ropes faster and avoid losing too much money. Let’s explore them below:
- Learn the Basics
Having a good strategy is key for any blackjack player. It’s like having a game plan that tells you the best move to make based on the cards you and the dealer are showing. If you stick to the basic strategies we’ve discussed, you’ll give yourself a much better chance of walking away a winner.
- Manage Your Bankroll
Managing your bankroll is key if you want to play blackjack successfully long-term. Before you start, set a reasonable budget for that session and decide your maximum bet size per hand that you’re comfortable potentially losing. Don’t go overboard, betting way more than you can truly afford. A smart rule is to keep any single bet to just 1-2% of your total bankroll to limit how much you can lose on one unlucky hand.
- Start SmallÂ
It’s best to practice blackjack for free to learn the rules before wagering real money. Then, when you feel ready to take your game to an actual table, it’s smart to start small. Look for the lower minimum bet tables; that way, you can get used to the vibe and pace without putting too much money on the line right away. It’s a great way for beginners to get some real-world practice in before going all-in.
- Avoid Insurance BetsÂ
You might be tempted to take the insurance bet, especially when the dealer is showing an ace. But statistically, those bets usually turn out to be a bad deal. They’ll just drain your bankroll over time, so you’re better off skipping them. Instead, focus on learning and using the basic blackjack strategy; make your decisions based on what you and the dealer actually have in front of you.
- Always Be Positive
A lot of people overlook this, but keeping a positive mindset can really help your blackjack game. Remember, blackjack is all about probabilities—you’re going to have hot streaks and cold streaks; that’s just how it goes. The key is not letting emotions take over after a tough loss. Don’t let yourself get tilted or start making rash decisions out of frustration. If you can stay calm and collected, you’ll make better choices and get way more enjoyment out of the game overall.
Final Thoughts
If you take these blackjack tips to heart, you’ll be well on your way to sharpening your skills and boosting your chances of winning. First, learn the basics and familiarize yourself with all the strategies we’ve discussed. Then keep all the key tips in mind: manage your bankroll responsibly and keep practicing to hone your techniques.
Whether you’re playing at a brick-and-mortar casino or online, staying disciplined and keeping a positive mindset will serve you really well. Stick to this approach, get to the tables, and do your part. If you’re lucky, you could rake in wins.
