The Basics Of Blackjack

Blackjack is the fastest casino game you will find. It’s a game where hands are dealt at a rapid pace and decisions are often made in an instant. Don’t worry; if you’re a beginner, then you can play at a table with several players. This will allow you time to make an educated decision. However, once you get a feel for the game, you’re going to want to play faster. Some players enjoy playing head-to-head against the dealer. Other players take it a step further and play every hand on the table versus the dealer. Before you aim for those lofty goals, let’s take a look at online blackjack strategy and basic odds.

The object of the game is to get as close to 21 without going over. If you go over, you bust, which means you lose. If the dealer goes over, then he busts, which means you win. If you hit a blackjack, then the payout is usually going to be 3:2. If the dealer is showing an ace when you have blackjack, then the dealer will likely ask if you want even money. This means you will only be paid the amount you wagered. You should always take this offer simply because a win is better than a tie.

If you want to play the best blackjack strategy possible, then you must play Basic Strategy. This will reduce the house edge to less than two percent. The only way you will gain the edge is if you’re counting cards, but that will only lead you toward hot water with any casino, and possibly the law as well. You’re much better off sticking to Basic Strategy and formulating a high-quality money management system.

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When you play Basic Strategy, the goal is to attack any time the dealer is weak, and to back off any time the dealer is strong. For example, if the dealer is showing a 4, 5 or 6, then you’re going to want to double down. When you double down, your bet is doubled, but you only receive one card. You cannot hit again. The reason this is a good move is because the dealer is likely to bust. A simple rule to remember is to always assume that the dealer is holding a card with a value of 10. This is because that’s the most populated card in the deck by four times any other card. Therefore, if there is a 4, 5 or 6 showing for the dealer, he is likely to be holding 14, 15 or 16. If the most populated card has a value of 10, then he is most likely to bust. If your bet is doubled, you will have taken advantage of the situation.

Doubling down is the key to success in blackjack. Always double down on 11 unless it’s against an ace. You can be aggressive when you have 10, but not if the dealer is showing a card with a value of 10 or better.

This information should give you a good head start to the game. Remember to formulate a money management system prior to playing.