Blackjack, the card game that combines strategy and luck, has been a staple of casino games for decades. It even experienced a modest revival after 21 (the 2008 movie based on the real-life story of an MIT counting team) brought the game to new audiences. But nothing lasts forever, and blackjack is currently losing ground to competition from baccarat and other table games, especially on the Las Vegas Strip. Casino managers are also whittling away at the game’s player edge in order to make it more profitable for themselves.
Whether you play at the tables or online, the key to success in blackjack is having a solid understanding of basic strategy and money management. These tips can help you maximize your profits and keep you on track for long-term success.
Before the dealer deals cards, players place their bets in a betting box marked on the table. They are then dealt two cards, while the dealer receives one card face up and one card face down. The goal is to get a hand of cards that totals as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players can choose to hit, stand, or draw depending on the situation and the rules of the specific game they are playing.
After everyone has played their hands, the dealer checks his or her hole card with a special viewing window in the blackjack table. If the dealer has a ten underneath, they will offer insurance to all players who have not yet taken it. If the dealer has a blackjack, they will immediately pay out all player’s original bets and pick up their own insurance wagers at a rate of 2 to 1. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, they will collect all bets that do not have a blackjack and end the game.
Many blackjack variants allow players to split their cards, meaning they create two separate hands that are played independently of each other. This is often done when players are dealt two of the same cards such as two aces, two face cards, or two tens. A hand that is split and re-dealt is not considered a blackjack, but it can still be very valuable.
Dealers interact with players throughout the game to create an atmosphere and set the tone for the table. Often, they are very good at this and can have an impact on the game’s outcome. However, this interaction can also break players’ concentration and distract them from counting cards.
Aside from learning basic strategy, knowing how to count cards is the most important tool for winning at blackjack. This can make the difference between a player who is merely beating the house and a player who is truly mastering the game. Card counting is not as easy as it sounds and requires significant practice to be effective. However, it can be a very profitable strategy for the dedicated blackjack player. A great resource to learn how to count is the book “Blackjack Blueprint” by veteran card counter Rick Blaine.