12 Things Everyone Should Know Before Stepping Up to A Blackjack Table
Blackjack is a very well known game and it is a seemingly easy game to play as all you need to do is try to get cards that add up to a number higher than the dealer’s but at the same time not surpassing 21. Of course, it is even better if you can get blackjack. However, it is not as easy as it seems as there are a lot of strategies involved that can maximize your winning chances. Various forms of blackjack do exist depending on which casino you frequent, but in this list, we have compiled some universal rules and strategies regarding this game.
The Fundamentals
Card Values. The cards ranging from 2 to 10 each have their face value. Meanwhile, kings, queens, and jacks all have a value of 10. Aces can either have 1 or 11 points.
Blackjack. It is a common misconception that whatever card that sums up to 21 is blackjack. This is false, as blackjack is only when the first two cards that you get to add up to 21. To get this, you will need an ace and one of the cards valued at 10.
Fundamental Rules. Minimum and maximum bets exist in a blackjack game. For example, if you bet $1000 and lose, the dealer will get your $1000. Winning means you get back the $1000 that you bet with an additional $1000 from the dealer. Getting blackjack means you get your $1000 back with an additional $1500 from the dealer as winning with blackjack gives you 1.5 times of what you bet.
Other Things to Know About Blackjack
Blackjack is practically a two-person game. Players often get carried away by what other players at the same table are doing. Keep in mind that at the end of the day it is just you versus the dealer. Forgetting this will affect your gameplay.
What does “Blackjack 3 to 2” mean? If you come across signs that say “Blackjack pays 3 to 2” at a table, it simply means that you will get $3 for every $2 that you bet.
Avoid “Blackjack pays 6 to 5” like the plague. Be aware of houses that have varying odds. New players may think that 6 to 5 is better than 3 to 2 as they may think $6 is more than $3. Keep in mind that 6 to 5 is a smaller ratio than 3 to 2. This means that the house has better odds against you. It’s bad news for your money.
“Blackjack pays 2 to 1” is great. This happens rather rarely as most casinos have realized that 2 to 1 will mean that players end up having better odds than the house. Therefore, if you come across one, make full use of it.
Fundamental Strategies
What is hit, and stand? Hitting basically means the option to get an additional card. This happens when the sum of your cards is still far less than 21 and you want to bet for a higher sum total. Standing means you don’t want to take any more additional cards and what you currently have will be your final score.
Doubling down. When you get your first two cards and feel like your winning chances are high, you have the choice to double your initial bet as much as two times. It is a good option in blackjack to increase your winning profits, but make sure not to get too overconfident.
Splitting. If the first two cards that you get are of the same value, you have the option to split them. Splitting them works as if you have two hands. A scenario where this is a good move to make is when you get two 8’s as they add up to 16, which is terrible.
Surrendering. If you feel that the first two cards that you get are terrible and your chance of winning is low, you have the option of surrendering. You will be able to get back half of what you bet, and the other half goes to the dealer.
Insurance. Blackjack Insurance is when you insure yourself against the dealing getting a blackjack. If the dealer’s visible card is an ace, you have the option to make a side bet that the dealer will get blackjack. This bet does not affect the initial bet you make. This will basically even out your losses if the dealer does indeed get blackjack.
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