Blackjack is the most popular casino table game. When played properly it has a house edge of less than one percent, which is the lowest house advantage of any table game.
The object of blackjack is to beat the dealer while not going over 21.
Because the player must act first it is sometimes the player's advantage
to stand on a hand that has the potential of going over 21 when the dealer
also has card that can bust him.
If the player and the dealer both bust the player loses the hand.
Blackjack is played with one, two, four, six or eight decks of cards. Some casino are also using continuous shuffling machines. In single and double deck games the dealer holds the cards and deals them out. In multi-deck games the cards are dealt out of a shoe.
In hand held games the cards are dealt face down and the player is allowed to pick up his cards. In a shoe game the cards are dealt face up to the player and you are not allowed to touch your cards. The basic play for either game is the same.
There is a separate circle or square for each player. When you sit down you must buy chips from the dealer or bring them from another table. The player puts his bet in the betting circle if front of his seat. Only chips put in the betting circle count as your bet. After all bets are made the play begins.
For this example we will assume you are playing a multi-deck game and the cards are being dealt from a shoe.
Each player is dealt two cards face up. The dealer receives one card face up and one card face down known as the hole card. After the cards are dealt the dealer will ask each player in turn to make their decision.
The player to the left of
the dealer acts first. This position is known as "first base". The
position of the last person to act is called "third base". You should make
your decision about how to play your hand based on the dealer's up card
and the two cards that you were dealt.
NEVER assume the dealer has a ten as the hole card. (The dealer has the same chance as having a 3
through 6 card as having a ten value card.)
You must use hand signals to make your decisions known. This keeps the game moving and it also helps insure there are no verbal misunderstandings while letting the "eye in the sky" keep track of the play. Remember that in a game dealt from a shoe you are NEVER allowed to touch the cards.
If you or the dealer is dealt an Ace and a ten-value card you have 21
known as a blackjack. This is a natural. A Blackjack can only result
from your first two cards.
If you get the blackjack you
will be paid 3 to 2 for your bet providing the dealer does not get one
at the same time. If you and the dealer have blackjack it is a push. If
only the dealer has blackjack all players will lose.
To take a hit means that you want to draw another card. To signal the dealer for a hit you will tap the table in front of you or make a beckoning motion with your hand. If you wish another card after the first you would motion in the same manner.
Once you are satisfied with either your fist two cards or after hitting, you signal the dealer that you wish to stand. This is done by waving your hand over the top of your cards.
When you are playing blackjack one of the most favorable situations arises when you have the opportunity to double down. When you double down you are allowed to double your bet after receiving your fist two cards. You then receive one card only on your hand.
Most casinos will allow you to double down on any two cards (DOA). Some casinos limit your doubling to hands that total ten or eleven. DOA is a favorable rule to the player. Another favorable rule is when the casino will let you double after splitting (DAS).
The worst cards for the dealer are the two through six. They will bust more times with these cards showing. Your double down will be successful more against these cards.
Most casinos will let you double down for less than your original bet providing it meets the table minimum.
If you are dealt a pair (two cards of the same rank) you can split these into two separate hands. You must make an additional bet equal to your starting bet. You signal the dealer that you are splitting by placing your second bet next to your first bet in the betting circle. Do not put this bet on top of the original bet. Do not separate the cards. The dealer will do this for you. The best cards to split as a general rule are Aces and Eights.
You will now play each hand one at a time. The dealer will give you a second card to go with the first split card. You will then decide to hit or stand. After you play out this hand and stand you will move on to the next split card and the process will be repeated. Some casinos will allow you to double down on your first two cards after splitting. You would play this as you would if you were doubling down on your first two cards. This rule is favorable to the player.
If the dealer's up card is an ace the dealer will offer insurance. You
are not really insuring a hand.
This is a side bet you make wagering
up to half your original bet that the dealer has a ten in the hole and
thus HAS a Blackjack.
If you make the bet and he has the ten you are paid 2 to 1 on your insurance bet. You would then lose your original bet but win the insurance bet, which works out to being a push of your original bet as long as you wagered exactly half of your bet on the insurance bet.
If you have a blackjack and the dealer has an ace you will be asked if you would like even money for your blackjack instead of 3 to 2. If do not take the even money you will have a push if the dealer has a blackjack.
Some casinos will allow you to surrender your hand and give up half your bet on your first two cards after the dealer checks for a blackjack. This is known as late surrender.
This option is not offered in many casinos. It is to the player's advantage when played correctly. Unfortunately when it is offered many players surrender more hands than they should thus giving up the advantage gained by this option.
As you can see there are many decisions that you can make when playing blackjack. If you play your hand properly you can reduce the house edge and give yourself the best possible chances to win.
If your first cards total 12-16 you have a "Stiff" hand. (one than
can be busted with a hit.)
If the dealer's up card is a 2 - 6, it is a "Stiff" hand for the dealer.
If you have 17 or better it is a Pat hand and you stand.
If the dealer shows a 7 -Ace, you consider it a pat hand.
If you have a stiff and the dealer has a stiff you STAND.
If you have a stiff and the dealer has a pat hand you HIT
If you want to be a successful blackjack player you will need to learn basic strategy. Most players start learning by referring to a basic strategy chart.
Click HERE for our basic strategy page.
The dealer will bust more often with certain up cards than with others. Take a look at the chart below. You will see that the worst cards for the dealer are the 5 and 6 followed closely by the 4. When the dealer is showing a 5 or a 6 they have a 42 percent chance of busting and a 40 percent chance when they have a 4 showing. This is why you double down more often when the dealer is showing a 4, 5 or 6.
Knowing the dealer’s bust percentage is useful information but it should just be used to confirm the decisions you make when you play basic strategy. If you are unsure of the correct plays you should memorize the basic strategy chart or bring one to the table with you.
| Dealer Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Ace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust % | 35% | 37% | 40% | 42% | 42% | 26% | 24% | 23% | 23% | 17% |
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