The Basics of Blackjack - How to Start Playing

Black jack is in an incredibly popular game across the entire world. Millions of hands are held every day in what is also known as twenty one. The purpose of the game is incredibly simple. The player competes with the dealer. The player needs to get a total of cards that is less (or equal) than 21 and still higher than the dealer. Dealers hit as long as they have fewer than 17. But if you want to win, have to use an optimal blackjack strategy.

Terminology and related rules

Many different terms are used in the blackjack world. The first is hit which means that you, the player, want to be dealt another card. You can hit as many times as you like until you get over 21, in which case you bust and you are required to give your bet up to the dealer. Stand means that you want to stay where you are with the cards you have in your hand. You can stand at any number that is no higher than 21.

A split can happen if you get two of the exact same card dealt to you. You play them both like you have individual hands going. A double can happen during some hands where you have the option to bet double your original bet. You only get one card after a double occurs. Sometimes individuals can surrender their hands and get half of their original bet back.

Play Blackjack Following These Rules

Some general strategies expounded in this page, can be done across the board. Hard hands are analyzed and do not contain any aces. Soft hands have aces in the hand. The first rule of thumb is that anything under 8 should always be hit. Doubling can occur between the counts of 9 to 11 with 10 being the most common number to double on, regardless of what the dealer has. When you have a 9, the only time that double should be completed is when the dealer has a 3 through a 6.

Standing should be done when the cards add up to 12 or higher. The best chances for standing should be done when the dealer has a card of Ace through three. 17 is when a stand should always be done because the chances of getting a bust are incredibly high.

Soft hands are aces. These hands will never cause a bust when they are hit. A hit can do one of two things; allow the hand to become hard or it will remain soft. Hitting should always be done when the cards are high and doubling should be considered whenever the dealer has either a 5 or 6 in their hands.

Paired hands are also things that should be considered for betting. A 5 set of pairs should not be split in half. A pair of 10s and aces should always have you standing. Pairs of eights and nines should always be split except for when the dealer has a ten or ace and when it comes to the lower pairs. No splits should be completed when the dealer has 8 or higher. When it comes to fours, a hit should only be done when the dealer has a 5 or a 6.

4 Useful Tips on How to Win at Blackjack

Blackjack, a classic. If you’re a newbie to gambling, casinos, its likely one game you know, have seen, and understand how to play. How could you not? It’s so simple, which is part of the game's allure. All you need to do is get to 21 or get closer to it than the dealer. How hard could it be?

Well, there’s a reason casinos carry it, because like every game on the casinos offer, in the long-term, they have a greater chance at winning then you do. The dreaded house edge. However, certain concepts, ideas, schemes can be used to tip the scale a bit in your favor than just following your gut.

There are approaches that have been devised in such a way that they use probability to calculate the best possible move in a particular circumstance. It will never be 50-50, but it’s your job to try and close the gap as much as possible.

1. Ignore the Other Players

It’s not a team sport, so do not concern yourself with the other players, whether at a real table or a virtual one. Do not pay attention to what kind of calls they’re making and if they’re winning and losing. This game is just you and the dealer. Keep it that way and do away with the distraction. What other players do, has no effect on your odds of winning in the long term.

The best way to make sure that you are only focused on you and your bets, is to play blackjack online. One of the most reputable sites that feature tons of blackjack games is casimba.com and all you have to do to gain access to the games is register.

2. Use Basic Strategy

Despite what you might think, this is not just a guessing game. Mathematicians have probed blackjack for years to figure out the best way to approach the game. You can find simple strategies on how to play online. When to hit and when to stand. If you understand how to apply a strategy, then you have a shot to lower the house edge to 0.2%-0.5%, depending on the rules you’re playing under.

3. Do Not Make Insurance Bets

If you don’t know, an insurance bet is a side bet in blackjack that can be made when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. So you’re betting if he gets to 21. This bet is not connected to your main one. It’s often considered a sucker bet. It might pay 2:1, but you’re chances of winning are way worse than that.

4. Don’t Believe the Myths

Myths are part in our everyday life. Do not fall into the trap of getting caught up in the possibility of the existence of “hot” or “cold” streaks, tables that are “hot” or “cold” as well as dealers. They’re called games of chance because they’re random, sure there are mathematical limitations, but you can’t play that long for them to become a major factor. So, dealers can’t get “cold” and online casinos use random number generators.