It is important to understand the rules of blackjack when playing this casino table game. If played correctly using a simple basic strategy, the house edge is very low, around 0.5%.
The game is played on a table that contains several decks of cards. (Usually six or eight). Cards are dealt from a device called shoe or a CSM (continuous shuffle machine) by the house dealer at the casino.
The goal is for a player to have a full hand that totals 21 or closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. The hand of any player or dealer with a sum greater than 21 is a bust and therefore loses.
The card values are:
2 to 9: counts as your face value
10 to King – counts as a value of ten
Aces: count as eleven or one
How to play
Playing is simple. After placing an ante bet, two cards are dealt face up to each player. The dealer also takes two cards, one face up and one face down, known as hand card.
Based on the force hand in hand with the player and the value From the dealer’s face-up card, the player must choose one of five options:
Stop – If the player has a strong hand like a 10, 8 that add up to 18, he / she would be left without taking additional cards.
Paste – If the player has a weak hand like 8, 5 with a total of 13, he can ask for additional cards.
Pull apart – If the two cards have the same value, such as an 8, 8, the player can split playing two hands for an additional bet.
Bend – The player can choose to double by requesting only one card after doubling his bet. An example would be a 7, 4 with a total of 11. The player would expect to receive any 10 value card to make a total of 21.
Give up – (Where allowed). When a player has a very weak hand against the dealer’s strong hand, he can give up the hand for half the bet. An example would be a player with 15 and a dealer showing a 10 or an ace.
By standard rules, a dealer must draw up to a total of 16 hands and stand (no tie) with a total of 17 or more.
Please note that rule 17 varies between casinos. Some jurisdictions allowed a distributor draw to a soft 17, (Ace + 6) others require a stop we’re going to 17. Drawing a card with a soft 17 always helps the casino. Standing over 17 helps players.
All winning hands, except Blackjack, pay the same money. A Blackjack is a two-card hand that contains an Ace and any ten-value card. That payout is 3 to 2. Some casinos have reduced the Bj payment from 6 to 5. Stay away from games 6/5 if possible. This is why:
Players receive an average of approximately four Blackjacks per hour. With a 3/2 payout on a minimum $ 10 table, the total profit is $ 60, while a 6/5 payout would only earn you $ 48. That’s a loss of $ 12 per hour at a table! of 6/5!
Simple basic strategy
Before playing, it is important to learn basic strategy. It’s easy to understand and with a little practice your money can last longer on the table. Basic strategy cards are available at most casino gift shops. You can also find them online. Most casinos do not object to any player using the cards as a reference while playing. Correctly applied blackjack strategy is extremely important when playing.
Strategy is a model for players that can greatly reduce the house edge to the above. It is easy to learn, although it does take some practice.
As mentioned above, the correct strategy is always based on force the player’s two-card hand against the value of the dealer’s face-up card. In applying this method, the player always assumes that the dealer has a ten value card in the hole. Therefore, the following strategy should be used when playing: Proper blackjack strategy is extremely important when playing.
Before playing
Rules vary between casinos, so players must first explorer the tables to look for liberal rules. In many jurisdictions, the rules are posted on the table. If you don’t see them, ask. This is what to look for:
Split any pair
Double up on any two cards
Divide again allowed
Double allowed after dividing
The dealer stops at 17
Delivery allowed
Here is the simple basic strategy:
Hard player hands, (without ace) if you have:
8 or less, always hit.
9, double if the dealer has 3 to 6; otherwise, ask.
10, double if the dealer has 2 to 9; otherwise, ask.
11, double against dealer 2 to 10, hit against Ace.
12, hit 2 or 3, stand 4 to 6, otherwise hit.
13-16, stand against 2-6, otherwise hit.
17 to 21, always standing.
Soft hands of the player, (an ace) if he has:
Ace 2 or 3, double against 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
Ace 4 or 5, double against 4 to 6, otherwise hit.
Ace 6, double against 3 to 6, otherwise hit.
Ace 7, stand against 2, 7 or 8, double against 3 to 6, otherwise hit.
Ace 8 or 9, always standing.
Player pairs, if you have:
Aces or eights, always split.
Two or three, split against 2 to 7, otherwise hit.
Furnaces, divided against 5 or 6, otherwise beaten.
Fives, double versus 2-9, otherwise hit.
Six, split against 2 to 6, otherwise hit.
Seven, split 2-7, otherwise hit.
Nine, divided against 2 to 6 and 8 or 9. Stand against 7, 10 or Ace.
Dozens, always standing.
Blackjack side bets are also available at almost all tables. Although tempting, the house edge is greatly increased when these options are selected, some in the double digits. Always keep in mind that your bankroll is at a higher risk of depleting more quickly when placing these attractive side bets.
Remember that no matter which game you choose, the house always has a long-term advantage. The benefit of applying the right strategy is increasing your chances of short-term profit.
Good luck!