Blackjack is a game played with one or more standard 52-card decks. The cards have different values, with Aces counting as either one or 11, and Jacks, Queens and Kings counted as ten.
In addition to the basic rules, there are several other bets and side bets available. Players should avoid taking insurance, as it is a losing proposition in the long run.
Rules
Blackjack is a card game in which the objective is to beat the dealer. Players are dealt two cards and must make a decision before the dealer flips over their upcard. If the player’s hand value is higher than 21 they win. If their hand is lower than 21, they lose.
Unlike poker, the suits in blackjack have no bearing on the game. Each card from 2 to 10 scores its numerical value, with two equal cards scoring minus two points. Jacks, queens, and kings count as 10, while aces count as either one or eleven.
Any winning bets are paid out even money (1 to 1), except for Blackjack which is paid 3 to 2. Side wagers may also be made. Gary Glover has contributed blank score sheets for up to 8 players as MS Word files and Dan Wagner has provided PDF blank score sheets for up to 11 players.
Bets
Blackjack betting systems allow players to control their bankroll by establishing a fixed wager amount for every hand. This method is often seen as less risky than positive and negative progression strategies.
Negative progression systems, such as the Martingale System, increase bets after each loss. This approach can become expensive quickly if a losing streak is sustained. This strategy should be avoided unless you are prepared to quickly lose a substantial amount of money.
Flat betting is a more conservative approach that increases your stake by only a small amount when you win and decreases it by the same amount when you lose. This allows you to control your losses and wins more effectively and is a popular choice for newcomers to the game.
Insurance
Blackjack insurance (or even money) is a side bet that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has an exposed ace. This bet is offered after the dealer checks their own card, and players can place up to half of their original wager on it. This bet is considered a sucker’s bet and will cost players money in the long run.
There are only certain situations when placing an insurance bet makes sense. It’s usually recommended when a player has a low hand such as 16 or less, and they want to counter some of their potential losses. Otherwise, it’s better to avoid this side bet entirely. The odds of the dealer having a blackjack are slim anyway. They’re only around 4.83% when using a single deck.
Surrender
Surrender is an optional player rule that allows you to fold your hand and recuperate half of your wager in certain circumstances. This option is available in some land-based casinos, online blackjack games, and some electronic table games.
When a dealer is showing a face card and the player has a weak hand, such as a hard 16 or a pair of sevens, surrendering can improve the odds of winning by eliminating losses. However, a correct surrender strategy requires careful consideration of the dealer’s up-card and the other player cards.
For an accurate basic strategy player, the late surrender rule reduces the house edge fractionally. For a $10 bettor, this improvement amounts to about 50 cents per hour of play. However, not all casinos offer this option and it’s important to check before you play.
Variations
The world of blackjack offers a rich tapestry of variants that can add new flavour to the game. These variations are a wonderful way to explore new strategies and test your skills, but it is important to understand the rules and limits of each one. Be sure to gamble responsibly and seek help if necessary.
For example, perfect pairs is a side bet in some blackjack games, where players wager on the possibility of receiving a pair in their initial hand. This variation comes with higher payouts but increases the house edge compared to standard blackjack.
Other variants include Vegas Strip blackjack, which uses four decks and dealers peek for naturals on aces and ten-value cards. This game also allows players to split aces and double down, and offers a bonus payout on a player BJ when the dealer has an Ace.