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A Beginner’s Guide to Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. The game masterfully combines chance with strategy, offering skilled players one of the best opportunities to win. Here, we’ll walk you through the fundamental rules.

Your Aim in Blackjack

To win, you must create a hand that beats the dealer’s hand and does not ”bust” (go over 21). Going over 21 is an automatic loss, known as a bust. Many beginners think they need to get to 21, but that’s not quite right.

How Cards are Scored

• Numbered Cards (2-10): Their value is what’s printed on them.
• Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): Are each worth 10 points.
• The Ace Card: The Ace is flexible, counting as 1 or 11 to your benefit. For example, an Ace and a 6 is a ”soft 17”.

How a Round Works

The round begins after bets are placed; you receive two cards, as does the dealer. Players’ cards are dealt face up, while the dealer reveals just one of their two cards. Your turn consists of choosing one of the following actions:

1. Take a Card: This means you want one more card from the deck.
2. No More Cards: This signifies you are finishing your turn with your current total.
3. Double Down: To double your original bet in exchange for receiving only one more card. This is often the correct play on a starting total of 9, 10, or 11.
4. Split: This option is available when you have a pair, allowing you to play them as two independent hands. You must place a second bet of the same amount on the new hand.

Improve Your Odds with Basic Strategy

You can improve your results by learning the game’s strategy. Decades of computer simulations have determined the best possible move in every situation, which is known as basic strategy. Basic strategy charts are widely available online and show you whether to hit, stand, double, or casino split in any situation. By following basic strategy perfectly, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5% in some games, making it one of the best bets in the casino.