Blackjack is a game where knowledge of the odds and basic strategy can make the difference between winning and losing. There is a lot to know, but with some effort and practice, you can master the game and minimize the house edge.
Place your wagers by touching the casino chips across the bottom of the screen. Wagers, wins, and credits remaining can be viewed in the bottom left.
Once the bets are placed, the dealer will deal each player two cards face up. Players then decide whether to ‘hit’ and receive more cards or’stay’ and keep their current hand. After the players have had their turn, the dealer will reveal their card and whoever has a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s will win.
Statistically, it is best to hit when your cards add up to 11 or less. This is because it’s impossible to bust at this point and you are improving your hand without risking more money. However, there are some situations when it is better to stay instead. This is especially true when the dealer shows a weak card like a five or six, since it’s likely that they will bust.
When to double down
Doubling down is a great way to increase your chances of winning but it can also result in big losses if you play recklessly. The best time to double down is when the dealer has a weak card, such as a five or six, and you have a hand value of ten or eleven.
When to split
When your starting two cards are of equal value, such as a pair of nines or two threes, you can choose to split them and play each as a separate hand. This increases your chances of making a strong hand and can even out the odds of hitting. If you are unsure about when to split, try practicing by playing with one deck and adding up the values of each card as you turn them over. This will help you to keep a running total and give you an idea of the count in the deck.
Insurance
When you have a blackjack and the dealer has a ten or face card, you can choose to take insurance. This will pay you 1:1 on your blackjack bet and will offset any loss if the dealer has a natural. However, it is important to note that you are giving up your 3:2 payout for this option.
Effective bankroll management is vital to long-term success at blackjack. A good rule of thumb is to only bet one to two percent of your overall bankroll per hand. This will prevent you from making emotional decisions when you’re at the table and will allow you to avoid financial strain. It’s always a good idea to stick to lower stakes tables until you’ve built up your confidence and skills.