Blackjack Rules and Tips
By Ed Storm, 13th Dec 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutGamblingCasino GamesOnline Casinos
Blackjack which is also known as Twenty-one (as reaching that card value is the object of the game) has been around since the 17th century. It has become one of the most popular casino card games and both the classic version of the game as well as countless variations can be found in all casinos, both online and offline. With this in mind follows a short introduction to the rules of the game followed by a few tips to get the novice player started.
Blackjack Rules
The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer by holding the higher value cards without going over 21, or busting. The betting rules are much more intricate, and it is best to devise a basic strategy before hitting the blackjack tables. There are countless online blackjack guides dedicated to honing a personal betting strategy based on statistical mathematics.
The suit is irrelevant in blackjack, and the card values are as follows: the Ace equals one or 11 (the value will always default to the better hand), the values of two through nine are numerically indicated, and the ten, Jack, Queen, and King each equal ten.
The first and most basic decision a player faces is whether to stand or to hit--in other words, to keep the current hand or to ask the dealer for another card. The risk the player takes in a hit is the possibility of going over 21, and standing may increase the dealer's chance of a win.
How the dealer plays a hand can impact the player's strategy. The most common rule is that the dealer must stand on all 17s. That is, the dealer must take a hit until the total value is 17 or higher, and unless it results in a bust, the Ace will equal 11. In another scenario, the dealer might be expected to hit on a soft 17. A soft hand contains an Ace that can be counted as either a one or 11 without going bust, allowing the player, or in this case, the dealer, to draw another card to a soft total.
Blackjack Tips
Blackjack is a game of concentration and playing the odds, and with the basic strategy, any player can learn to beat the dealer. It is always important to remember that this game favors the dealer, meaning that whether or not the dealer busts, it is the player that stands to lose the hand. With this in mind, it is better to work out your blackjack strategies before hitting the tables.
For the novice blackjack player, it's important to understand some of the more common betting rules, such as doubling down. This move involves doubling a bet during any point of play and receiving one additional card, normally when there is strong evidence that you can beat the dealer. The risk is that you may bust in the process, but the advantage of winning outweighs the inherent risk. If you have 10 or 11, experts recommend doubling down. The exception, of course, is when the dealer is showing an ace.
Another move the player can take advantage of is splitting a hand. All casinos, including online casinos, have their own guidelines in reference to splitting a hand, which should be checked out prior to play. In this process, when a pair with equal value is dealt, the player has the opportunity to split that hand into two hands, and sometimes more, thereby increasing the odds of a win.
How To Play Blackjack Video
One of the better videos on Youtube providing insight on blackjack gameplay. The video is narrated by Dr. Max Stern, a professional poker player and author and winner of three World Series of Poker bracelets.
Additional Blackjack Resources
- Blackjack on Wikipedia - the Wikipedia.org page on Blackjack, does a good job of outlining the basic strategy amongst other things.
- Blackjack on Pagat - one of the foremost card game rules guides is Pagat.com and their blackjack guide is very comprehensive.
- Blackjack Probability (PDF) - a look at probabilities in Blackjack by the Math department of Cornell University.
Comments
13th Dec 2011 (#)
I am not much of a gambler, as in, I lose. Before I go to Vegas next year, I must do my homework with your pages. Great information on Blackjack rules. Congrats on the star page, it is well deserved. Thank you for sharing.:)
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13th Dec 2011 (#)
Thanks for the feedback Denise - much appreciate it :)
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