Blackjack is a game of chance that’s played with one or more 52-card decks. The objective is to get cards that total as close to 21 without going over, while also avoiding bust and winning the hand.
It’s important to remember that the odds of winning are 50/50 on any given hand. That’s a good reason to learn basic strategy and stick to it, but it’s also true that even the best players will lose a few hands here and there.
The main rule is that you should never bust, which means that your bet must not exceed 21, regardless of what the dealer has. However, if you think you have a hand worth 17 or higher, it’s often worthwhile to double down.
Aside from the standard rules of blackjack, there are a few other things you should be aware of to improve your chances of winning. These include:
Know your limits, whether you’re a new player or an experienced gambler
Before starting to play blackjack, make sure you’re familiar with your betting limits. These will help you avoid wasting money at the table and prevent you from losing your bankroll.
Choose the right dealers for your strategy
Choosing a good dealer is important, especially if you use hole carding or shuffle tracking strategies. It’s also important to find a dealer who’s not in a hurry. This way, you can focus on your game and make smart decisions that will help you win.
You should also consider the size of your bets. While it’s tempting to go big, this could be bad news for your bankroll. Always choose a table with minimum and maximum wagers that are appropriate for your budget.
Don’t drink and gamble
While it’s fun to enjoy a beer at the blackjack table, too much alcohol can damage your ability to think clearly and follow basic strategy. It’s also not a good idea to play blackjack if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The best way to prevent this is to separate your blackjack funds from your day-to-day living expenses and stick to a proper bankroll management strategy. This will keep you from getting caught up in streaks and making risky bets, while also allowing you to make wise decisions and win your hand every time.
Learn the rules of the game
The rules of blackjack are simple and straightforward. The first two cards the dealer deals to you are face-up and remain visible. You can then decide to stand, hit or draw additional cards.
You can also split your hand. This is a common move in blackjack, and can be beneficial if your original hand values are 10 or lower.
Double down after splitting a pair of cards
Doubling down is a great option in blackjack, but you should be careful about overconfidence. This strategy is often used by players who are confident that their hand values will win against the dealer’s. It’s not a good idea to double down on a weak hand against a strong one, as it will most likely bust.