The Basics of Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game that involves betting against the dealer. The player’s goal is to have a total card value that is closer to 21 than the dealer. If a hand exceeds 21, the player will lose the bet, and the hand is called a “bust”.
Blackjack can be played with single or multiple decks of cards. It is one of the most popular casino games and is a favorite among gambling enthusiasts worldwide.
Players place their bets in front of the dealer and then both the player and the dealer are dealt two cards, one of which is face down. The player then decides whether to hit, stand, or double.
When a player’s initial two cards equal 21, this is known as a “natural” or “blackjack.” The dealer checks for blackjack and if the player does not have the same, it is a “push.” In a push, all wagers are returned without any adjustment.
The dealer also checks their down card. If their down card is a ten or a face card, it is usually a good idea to bust. This will give the dealer a lower chance of winning and is usually better for the player who has no idea of the dealers hole card (which is what the dealer does not reveal).
If the dealer’s down card is an ace, then the player may want to consider taking an insurance bet. The insurance bet pays 2:1 if the dealer’s up-card is an ace and 1:1 otherwise.
Some casinos limit the amount of insurance a player can take, so it is important to check the rules of your chosen casino before playing. The rules are governed by the house’s advantage, which is usually less than one percent.
In some casinos a special “cut” card is placed in the deck before the first round of play. This card is red, and indicates the spot where the cards should be separated during the cut.
The cut card is not necessary, but it can be helpful to know the exact spots where the cards should be separated during the cut. If the dealer does not have a cutting card, it is advisable to ask the dealer for it.
Splitting of pairs
The most common way to split is by a player separating the two cards they are holding and then making another bet on a second hand. However, if the player has an ace or a pair of aces, they should not split and they should only draw one additional card on their original hand.
Resplitting of Aces
A player can resplit aces at any time before the dealer checks for blackjack, but they should only do so on certain combinations. A player should also avoid splitting aces if the resulting hand is going to bust, because they will lose their bet if they do.
Early surrender
Some casinos allow a player to forfeit half their wager against a face or ace before the dealer checks for blackjack. This can be beneficial for a player who has an unbeatable hand, or one that the dealer will not have to bust, or if the dealer is showing a high card and the player is likely to win.