If you’ve ever set foot in a casino, you have at least seen a game of blackjack. Odds are you even played it. Blackjack is one of the most commonly seen casino games in the world. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a casino that doesn’t offer it.

If you’ve ever set foot in a casino, you have at least seen a game of blackjack. Odds are you even played it. Blackjack is one of the most commonly seen casino games in the world. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a casino that doesn’t offer it.

Blackjack is a Famous Casino Game

Blackjack is the center of many tall tales in casino folklore. Everyone knows at least someone who’s a self-proclaimed expert at the game. Playing blackjack – and more explicitly counting cards to win at blackjack – has become an often-seen movie trope. Dustin Hoffman’s character Raymond Babbitt plays blackjack in the movie Rain Man, and so does Zach Galifianakis’ Alan in The Hangover. In the film 21, Kevin Spacey leads a team of MIT students on trips to Vegas to take down the house.

Blackjack’s popularity is easy to explain. The game is both simple to get into but also remains attractive even after countless hours of play.

The Goal is Simple

The goal of the game is evident within a minute of sitting down for the first time: beat the dealer, and you make money. Go over 21 or get fewer points than the dealer, and you lose. It’s that simple.

But even though the rules are uncomplicated, there’s a lot to consider. Mathematicians have done countless calculations to figure out the optimal way of playing the game. When to hit, when to stand, when to double, and when to split.

Study the Rules

If you want to try your luck at blackjack, it’s essential to know some basic strategy. In the long run, the house has an advantage over you. But if you know what you’re doing, winning sessions will become more frequent. If you don’t, walking away a winner will be nothing short of a miracle.

HowtoCasino.com has got you covered. We’ll tell you what to do every step of the way. Our blackjack tips and blackjack strategies apply to players from all levels; from those dipping their toes in the water for the first time to experienced players looking for the most up to date blackjack table.

Faq

Is Blackjack a game of skill or luck?

Blackjack is one of the most demanding games in terms of thinking, counting, and calculating odds. To make the most of Blackjack, you need to learn the basic strategy and familiarise yourself with a few vital rules so as to know when to react and how. Luck is a part of the game for sure, but the right strategy is more important!

What is a bust in Blackjack?

Whenever the dealer’s or your hand value goes over 21, this is called a bust or a losing hand. This is where the mathematics, skill, and experience come in handy to help you calculate if the dealer is closer to busting based on his up card.

What are the most commonly used terms in Blackjack?

If you are preparing to play Blackjack, you need to learn to use and understand some specific terms. Without knowing what they mean, you can’t win. Here they are: Stand, Hit, Double Down, Split, Surrender, Push, and Insurance.

Is Blackjack a hard game?

There are some rules you need to know to play blackjack well. But it is certainly not difficult. For beginners, it is best to play for free at first. This is possible at most online casinos. Keep in mind that there can be small differences in the game rules at different casinos!

Can you win in blackjack by counting cards?

If blackjack is played with a shuffle machine, it is impossible. If the cards are dealt with a normal shoe or out of hand, it is certainly possible. The game is quite fast and you must quickly observe all combinations of cards in order to count. After that, you still have to determine the right amounts for your bets and make the right actions.

What are the rules of blackjack?

You will find a detailed explanation in our how to’s. The goal is to get as close to 21 points as possible. You win if you have a higher number of points than the dealer and do not exceed 21 points. In case of a tie, the bets remain and you lose if the dealer has a higher number of points. A blackjack is a 10 with an ace and pays out 3 to 2.

What cards do you use in blackjack?

The jokers are removed from the game. The 2 to 10 have their own value. Face cards are worth 10 points and the ace 1 or 11 points. The game can be played with up to 8 decks of cards.

How much is the jack worth in blackjack?

The jack has a value of 10 points.

How many people can you play blackjack with?

At a blackjack table you usually have 7 seats. People can also bet behind. However, these plays have no influence on the decisions made by seated players. In addition to the 7 players who make decisions, theoretically 14 others can play along.

What is a perfect pair side bet in blackjack?

Perfect Pairs is a nice addition to the well-known game of blackjack. If you have placed a bet, you have the option to play with Perfect Pairs as well. You then place a second bet in the column next to the circles. With Perfect Pairs you have a chance to win three extra jackpots:
•    Mixed pair: pays 6:1 (for example, a black queen with a red queen)
•    Colour pair: pays 12:1 (2 red kings)
•    Perfect pair: pays 25:1 (for example, 2 tens of hearts)

When should you hit with blackjack?

It is best to use a strategy chart. If you’ve been playing for a while, it’s easy to learn by heart. You have to pay attention to which face up card the dealer has. With a high-value card from the dealer, you continue to hit up to 16 points. With a 4, 5 or 6 from the dealer, you stand from 12 points up.

Do you need to split 2 fives?

It is wiser not to split 5-5. You hit or you double with a bad open card from the dealer.

Is insurance wise with blackjack?

Insurance costs money in the long run. You are at 1/13th part disadvantage compared to the dealer.

How much do you have to bet if you want insurance?

Normally you have to place half of your bet. There are also casinos that accept higher insurance stakes. This is in favor of the casino as it is a bad bet.

How much is the king worth in blackjack?

The king, like the jack and the queen, is worth 10 points.

Do the suits of cards matter in blackjack?

No, the suits, hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs do not matter in standard blackjack.

Can you bet cash at a blackjack table?

No, you must always bet chips. You can buy these from the dealer or at the cash register.

Can you stop playing at any time?

Yes, once a hand is over you can always walk away with your winnings. If you have a lot of small value chips, it is appreciated to exchange them for large value chips.

Does the dealer influence the game?

The dealer only draws the cards. He has no influence on which card is drawn or turned from face-down to face-up. However, the dealer can offer you to double with, for example, 9 points against an ace. Then he gives you a choice that turns out badly in the long run. So know when to hit, fold, double and split.

Why do you stand with 12 against an open 6 from the dealer?

The dealer has a good chance to bust with 6 points. Millions of computer simulations have proven that you win more by standing than by hitting.

Do you have to make different decisions on the last spot?

Some addicted blackjack players will say yes. However, there are so many cards in the deck that come randomly that it doesn’t matter in the long run. For the players themselves, it is also wise to stick to the decisions suggested by the strategy chart for the best outcomes.