Blackjack is one of the most popular card games and can be found in nearly every casino. It is a relatively simple game to learn. Having knowledge of the strategy behind it can greatly improve your chance of success. The main point of Blackjack is to beat the dealer’s cards with your cards. You will win by having a higher total than the dealer when adding your cards together without the sum total being greater than 21. You also win if the dealer goes bust.

Objective Of Blackjack

21, Blackjack!

The objective is to hit a total card value of 21. The game will start with players making their bets. Then, the dealer will deal two cards to each player as well as himself, one face up and one face down. All cards are counted as their face value in Blackjack. Picture cards, also known as Kings, Queens and Jacks are valued at 10. Aces are valued at either 1 or 11.

Once the cards have been dealt, you will then choose to either stay, hit or take another card until you choose to stay, double down or doubling your bet and only taking one card, or splitting where you will split your initial two cards and play them each as a separate hand. The dealer will go last. Whether in a regular casino or online casino, they are required to hit on 16 or less and stay on 17 through 21. Anyone that goes over 21 is considered a bust and automatically loses.

Practice Makes Perfect

With the availability of online casino options, you can practice your skills if you choose to play online. This will allow you to develop your strategy and may help increase your odds of winning. Blackjack rules are relatively simple, but the strategy for the game can be complex. It is very much a game of odds.

One of the most followed rules of Blackjack is knowing when to hit and when to stay. Generally speaking, any time your initial sum is less than 17, it is advisable to hit. There is a better chance that the dealer will get a sum higher than 17. With that being said, it is better to stay on 17 or over due to the increased chance of getting a card that will make you bust.

Paying attention to all the cards that are dealt on the table will also help you decide on when to make the choice to hit or stay and your odds for success. For example, say there are 3 players at the table including the dealer and they all have a picture card shown face up. There is a smaller chance that you will get a picture card should you choose to hit.

Choosing to play online can help you practice these strategies and help learn the game. It is always good to know what you are are in for before you start risking money. Once you feel comfortable with the game play and strategy, you are off to take on the house!