How to Play Blackjack: The Ultimate Guide for Newbies

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. The game masterfully combines chance with strategy, offering skilled players one of the best opportunities to win. This guide will cover the basics to get you started.

What is the Goal?

Your goal is to have a hand total higher than the dealer’s, without exceeding 21. Going over 21 is an automatic loss, known as a bust. It’s a common misconception that the goal is to get as close to 21 as possible.

Understanding Card Points

• The Number Cards: Their value is what’s printed on them.
• J, Q, K: They all count as 10.
• The Ace Card: The Ace is flexible, counting as 1 or 11 to your benefit. A hand with an Ace that counts as 11 is called a “soft” hand.

Your Decisions at the Table

After placing your bet, you and the dealer are each dealt two cards. Your cards are usually dealt face up, while the dealer has one card face up (the “upcard”) and one face down (the “hole card”). You then make a decision based on the strength of your hand versus the dealer’s visible card:

1. Draw: To take another card.
2. No More Cards: This signifies you are finishing your turn with your current total.
3. Increase Your Bet: To double your original bet in exchange for receiving only one more card. This is often the correct play on a starting total of 9, 10, or casino 11.
4. Split a Pair: This option is available when you have a pair, allowing you to play them as two independent hands. You must place a second bet of the same amount on the new hand.

Playing Smart

To be successful, you need more than just luck. There is a mathematically optimal way to play every hand, known as “basic strategy”. You can find these charts easily, and casino they tell you the optimal move based on your cards and the dealer’s. By following basic strategy perfectly, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5% in some games, making it one of the best bets in the casino.