Welcome to our guide on how to play blackjack and potentially beat the game. We are professional blackjack players with over 15 years of experience and have played as part of teams responsible for beating casinos for roughly $4 million. Now, we teach others how to beat blackjack through our platform, Blackjack Apprenticeship. In this post, we’ll guide you through the rules of blackjack and share some advanced strategies.
The Objective of Blackjack
Beat the Dealer: The primary goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Unlike poker, where you’re playing against other players, in blackjack, it’s your game against the dealer.
Card Values
Understanding Card Values:
- Number Cards (2-10): Worth their face value.
- Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): Worth 10 points.
- Ace: Can be worth 1 or 11 points, whichever is more advantageous for the hand.
Dealing the Game
How the Game is Dealt: Both the player and the dealer receive two cards. The dealer shows one card (the “upcard”) while the other card remains face down (the “hole card”). The player always goes first, deciding whether to take more cards (hit) or stay.
Winning and Losing
Ways to Win or Lose:
- Win: Get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
- Lose: The dealer gets closer to 21 than you, or you go over 21.
- Push: Both the player and the dealer have the same point value.
Blackjack (Natural): If you’re dealt an ace and a 10-value card, you have a blackjack and win automatically, unless the dealer also has a blackjack. A blackjack pays 3 to 2.
Playing Decisions
Hitting and Standing:
- Hit: Take another card to try to get closer to 21.
- Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
Doubling Down: Available only on your first two cards. You place an additional bet equal to your original bet and receive one more card. Always double down when basic strategy indicates it.
Splitting: If you have two cards of equal value, you can split them into two hands by placing an equal bet on the second hand. Each hand is then played separately.
Insurance: When the dealer shows an ace, you can buy insurance (half your original bet) to protect against the dealer having blackjack. Insurance pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack, but it is not recommended unless you’re counting cards.
Surrendering: Available at some casinos, surrendering allows you to forfeit your hand and lose half your bet instead of playing it out. Use it when the dealer has a significant advantage.
Basic Strategy
Follow Basic Strategy: Memorize and follow a basic strategy chart, which outlines the best decision for every possible hand in blackjack. This minimizes the casino’s edge to about half a percent.
Advanced Strategy: Card Counting
What is Card Counting? Card counting is a technique that helps you determine when the odds are in your favor, allowing you to adjust your bets and playing decisions accordingly.
Is Card Counting Legal? Yes, card counting is legal. It involves using your brain to keep track of the cards that have been dealt, but casinos reserve the right to refuse service to card counters.
How to Count Cards: Card counting involves assigning values to cards and keeping a running count. High cards (10s, face cards, aces) are assigned a negative value, while low cards (2-6) are assigned a positive value. The higher the count, the more favorable the deck is for the player.
Conclusion
Mastering Blackjack: By understanding the rules, following basic strategy, and learning advanced techniques like card counting, you can improve your chances of winning at blackjack. Remember, success requires practice, discipline, and the ability to adapt.
FAQs
Q1: What is the objective of blackjack?
The objective is to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over.
Q2: What are the values of the cards in blackjack?
Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points, and an ace can be worth 1 or 11 points.
Q3: What is basic strategy in blackjack?
Basic strategy is a chart that outlines the best decision for every possible hand, minimizing the casino’s edge.
Q4: Is card counting illegal?
No, card counting is legal. However, casinos can refuse service to card counters.
Q5: How does doubling down work?
Doubling down involves placing an additional bet equal to your original bet and receiving one more card.
