Blackjack is a card game that pits the player’s hand against the dealer. The goal is to get a hand value closer to 21 than that of the dealer, without going over 21. The game’s rules are relatively simple, and while luck is a factor, players can maximize their chances of winning by using a basic strategy and avoiding certain mistakes.
Splitting Pairs
A Blackjack player may choose to split pairs of cards of equal value at the start of each hand. This allows her to play two hands and increase her potential winnings. However, the strategy is not as straightforward as it sounds. It is important to know when it is beneficial to split, and when it is not. For example, it is a good idea to split aces and eights, but not nines, sevens, sixes, or threes. In addition, a blackjack gained through splitting is only paid one-to-one, and not one-and-a-half times as in the case of a natural.
Hitting
It is important to hit when you have a strong hand in blackjack. This is especially true when the dealer shows a face or 10 card. In these cases, the dealer is likely to bust, and hitting will improve your odds of beating the dealer’s hand. If you have a weaker hand, such as a 16, it is usually better to stand instead of hitting, as this will lower your risk of losing your entire bet.
Double Down
Double Down in blackjack is a great way to improve your chances of winning. This option allows you to increase your original bet by up to 2x, depending on the casino. This is a great way to maximise your potential winnings, but it is also important to remember that you should never double down if the dealer has an ace up. This is a common mistake that many blackjack players make, and it can be very costly.
Insurance
Insurance in blackjack is a side-bet that pays out when the dealer has an ace up. It is a big money-maker for casinos, and it is often misunderstood by players. When you understand when the remaining deck is rich in ten-valued cards, however, this side bet can actually be profitable for you.
Surrender