Basic Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack is a game that requires players to make decisions. These decisions involve whether to ask for another card (hit), stand with what you have (stand), or bust your hand by going over 21 (bust). A careful weighing of the possibilities can make a huge difference in how much money you win. To help you determine the right move, there are blackjack charts that are based on basic strategy. To use them, you simply look up your hand and the dealer’s cards on the chart to find out what action to take.
There are a few situations where blackjack tables deviate from the procedure outlined above. Some of these situations involve player options such as splitting a pair of aces or hitting on a hard 17. Depending on how you play blackjack, some of these differences will make or break your chances of winning.
It’s also important to note that the rules of blackjack vary from casino to casino. Some casinos require dealers to stand on a soft 17 while others will allow them to hit. These rules will impact your blackjack strategy, so it’s a good idea to read up on the different variations before you begin playing.
You’ll also find that there are a lot of side bets available for blackjack. These bets will often give the house a big advantage, so you’ll want to avoid making them if possible. Side bets are often made on blackjack, but you can also place them on a variety of other games as well.
The game of blackjack is a fast-paced game, so many players make decisions based on how they feel at the time. This can lead to some serious mistakes, such as increasing their bet size after a losing hand. They might think that they are due for a win soon and that the increased bet will cover their losses. However, this is a mistake that can easily cost them a lot of money over the long run.
If you have a hand of 21, including an Ace with a 10, Jack, or Queen, you have a blackjack and will be paid 6 to 5 or 3 to 2 depending on the type of blackjack you are playing. In addition, if your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you will win. However, if the dealer’s hand is higher than yours, you will lose and your bet remains on the table.
You can also increase your chances of winning by using a blackjack chart to guide you. The charts will tell you when to hit or stand based on the value of your hand and what the dealer is showing. You can also double down on a certain hand, but you must be aware that this will increase your initial bet by two-fold. You can also surrender your hand if you’re feeling particularly strong and this will cut your losses while allowing you to keep playing. Insurance bets are also common in blackjack and generally pay 2:1.