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How to play Blackjack

The rules and gameplay of blackjack is the same whether you play in a physical setting or online. Follow this guide on how to play blackjack and you’ll be able to get going in no time.

Author

Emma Johnson

Product Owner

Fact checked by: Johan Lofgren

Basic Rules of Blackjack

The objective of blackjack is simple: get a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and each card is assigned a point value. Number cards are worth their face value, while face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10 points. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value is more beneficial to the player’s hand.

Card Values

In Blackjack, the cards are valued as follows:

• Numbered cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10 points.
• Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would be more beneficial to the player.

Betting Procedures

Before the game begins, each player places their bet. After the bets are placed, the dealer deals two cards to each player and two cards to themselves. One of the dealer’s cards is dealt face-up, while the other is dealt face-down.

Once the cards are dealt, the player can choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their current hand). The player can continue to hit until they are satisfied with their hand or until they bust.

After all players have had a chance to play their hands, the dealer reveals their face-down card. The dealer must hit until their hand value is 17 or higher. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. If the dealer does not bust, the player with the highest hand value that does not exceed 21 wins. If the player’s hand value is the same as the dealer’s, the game is a push and the player’s bet is returned.

Strategies for Winning

Basic strategy is a set of rules that tells you the best way to play your hand based on the dealer’s upcard. It is based on mathematical probabilities and can significantly increase your chances of winning.

Using basic blackjack strategy involves memorizing a chart that shows you what to do in each situation. For example, if you have a hard 16 and the dealer’s upcard is a 7, you should hit. If you have a soft 18 and the dealer’s upcard is a 9, you should stand. By following these rules, you can make the best decisions for each hand and reduce the house edge.

Card Counting

Another strategy that some players use is card counting. This involves keeping track of the cards that have been played in order to determine the likelihood of certain cards being dealt in the future. By doing this, players can adjust their bets and make more informed decisions.

Bear in mind that card counting is not easy and requires a lot of practice and concentration. It is also not allowed in many casinos and can result in being banned from playing blackjack. It is important to note that card counting is not illegal, but it is frowned upon by casinos.

Betting Systems

There are many different betting systems that players use in order to try and win at blackjack. However, it is important to remember that no betting system can guarantee a win. Some popular betting systems include the Martingale system, where you double your bet after each loss, and the Paroli system, where you double your bet after each win. While these systems can be fun to try out, they should be used with caution.