Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It’s simple to play and easy to understand, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels. Nevertheless, blackjack isn’t as straightforward as it might seem and there are many rules to be aware of.

Basic Strategy

The goal of every player in a blackjack game is to beat the dealer by having a hand with a value that is less than 21, without going over 21. If a player’s hand is equal to or exceeds the dealer’s total, the player is out and loses his bet.

Hit and Stand

The most important strategy in a blackjack game is to decide whether to hit or stand based on the value of your cards and the value of the dealer’s cards. This will give you the best chance of winning but is also a risky move.

Increasing Your Bets In Favorable Situations

When playing blackjack, it’s often possible to make smarter decisions based on information you gather as you play. These skills can help you turn the odds in your favour and win more money.

Card Counting

For the serious blackjack player, card counting can be an invaluable tool for increasing your chances of winning. It takes time to master, but it can help you make better decisions based on your betting patterns.

Insurance Bet

If the dealer shows an ace and you want to increase your odds of winning, you can place a side bet called insurance. This bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack and loses if she doesn’t.

Early Surrender

If you have a winning hand that’s valued at less than 17 and you’re sure the dealer’s hand won’t beat it, you can ask the dealer to surrender your half of the wager. This is a good strategy for avoiding losses in high-risk situations and can also prevent you from losing too much money when on a long losing streak.

Splitting Eights and Aces

If you’ve got a winning hand of six or seven against the dealer’s two, three or four, it’s a good idea to split them into two separate hands instead of trying to double down. This will allow you to increase your bet if the dealer’s upcard is a nine or 10 and cut down on losses if your original bet was high.

The rules for splitting and doubling depend on the game you’re playing, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the ones that apply to the table you’re playing at before you start.

Betting the Same Amount for Each Hand

It’s a common practice to bet the same amount on each hand in blackjack. This is a good strategy to use if you’re new to the game, but once you get a feel for how each hand plays out, it might be worth changing your betting habits.

A Higher Bet Size Is Usually Better for You

It is a good idea to bet a higher amount of money on each hand in blackjack, as this can result in a higher payout. This can be a wise decision if you’re playing with a low bankroll and are on a losing streak.