Blackjack is a game of cards where players and the dealer are each dealt two cards. The goal is to build a hand value that totals as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game is very popular with casino novices because it is more engaging than a slot machine but less complex than poker. Despite its simplicity, there are some important rules to know when playing blackjack.
Dealing the Cards
After bets have been placed, the cards are dealt. The dealer gives each player a card face up and himself a card face down. Players may choose to draw additional cards if they wish, but only one at a time. The player must stand on any hand valued at 17 or higher, and hit on any hand of 12 through 16 if the dealer’s up card is 7 or higher.
When a player has an opening hand of ace and a 10 (a “blackjack”), it automatically beats the dealer’s hand, netting the player a payout of 3 to 2, or one and a half times the original bet. The player can also win if they have an initial hand of 19 or higher, but this is rare. A player can also lose if they have a hand of lower than 21 or if the dealer has a blackjack, in which case the bet is a push and the player’s bet is returned.
Side bets
In addition to the basic game, most blackjack tables will offer several different types of side bets. These bets range from insurance, which pays out if the dealer has an ace up, to player-matching bets that pay when a player’s cards match those of the dealer. These bets can change the strategy of the game significantly, so it’s a good idea to understand them before you sit down to play.
Splitting Cards
When two cards of equal value are dealt to a player, they can choose to split them into separate hands and play them independently. This is usually done by placing a second wager that matches the amount of their original bet. Splitting a pair of aces is generally considered to be the best move, as it protects against the possibility that one of the aces will bust.
If you decide to split your cards, never split 10s against a dealer’s 2 through 6, or against a dealer’s 7. These situations reduce the house edge considerably.