The Basics of Blackjack
Blackjack is the most popular casino card game. The object of the game is to have a hand value that is closer to 21 than that of the dealer without going over 21. The player competes only against the dealer, not against other players at the table. The rules of the game are generally the same in every casino, although there may be minor variations from one house to another.
The rules of blackjack are relatively simple, and the game is fast-paced. The dealer deals two cards to each player, face up. Players must decide whether to hit, stand, split, or double down. In some casinos, a side bet is available that pays when the dealer has an ace up. These bets are placed in a separate area from the main wager.
When a player has a total of 21 on the first two cards, this is called a “blackjack” and wins immediately. The only exception is if the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case the hand ties. The other players at the table lose their bets, unless they have also made a blackjack (in which case they push).
After the popularity of blackjack surged in the 1960s, nothing much changed in the way the game was played. There was no new layout, no attempts to make the game more social, and antsy casino managers often whittled off a little of the edge to keep their customers happy. Blackjack, however, survived this era of belt-tightening because smart, disciplined players could still beat the casino.
One of the reasons for blackjack’s success was the development in 1956 of a mathematically correct set of rules for the game, known as basic strategy. By following these rules, a player can reduce the casino’s advantage to a tiny percentage.
A basic strategy chart is available for every variation of the game, and it can be found in most books on the subject. It is important to remember that the chart is only a guide, and the decision of when to hit or stand, or double down or split, should be made based on the specific rules of the game being played.
As with all casino games, the house has a statistical advantage in blackjack that will play out over time. But because of the element of choice in the game, a skilled and observant player can lower this advantage to a small percentage.
As a result, blackjack remains the most popular casino game, even though it now plays second fiddle to sports betting and baccarat in Nevada, which are preferred by Asian ultra-high rollers. Despite this, blackjack has retained its popularity in Las Vegas because of its unique appeal to intellectual gamblers. The game has no glitzy lights, no crowd-pleasing music, and no sexy dealers in shiny tuxedos. Instead, it relies on math, which can be scary when it’s on a test but positively friendly when it’s making you money.