Objective
In blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 than theirs without exceeding it. If your hand exceeds 21, you bust and lose the round.
Card Values
Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each.
Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.
Gameplay
Initial Deal: Each player and the dealer are dealt two cards. Players' cards are usually dealt face up, while the dealer has one card face up (the "upcard") and one face down (the "hole card").
Player's Turn: Players can choose to "hit" (receive another card) or "stand" (keep their current hand). They can also choose to "double down" (double their initial bet and receive one more card) or "split" (if they have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet).
Dealer's Turn: After all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their hole card.
Winning: The player wins if their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's without busting. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. If both the player and dealer have the same total, it's a "push," and the player's bet is returned.
Legality and Effectiveness
Card counting in blackjack is legal and can be effective in improving a player's odds. It involves keeping track of the high and low cards that have been dealt to determine the likelihood of certain cards being dealt next.
How to Count Cards
High-Low System: Assign a value of +1 to cards 2-6, 0 to cards 7-9, and -1 to 10s and Aces. Keep a running count of the cards as they are dealt.
True Count: Divide the running count by the number of decks remaining to get the true count, which adjusts for the number of decks left in the shoe.
Betting Strategy: Increase bets when the count is high, indicating a higher proportion of high cards in the remaining deck, which favors the player.
Impact of Card Removal
As cards are dealt, the composition of the remaining deck changes. Removing high cards benefits the dealer, while removing low cards benefits the player. Card counting helps players capitalize on these changes in deck composition.
Basic Strategy: Follow a basic blackjack strategy chart, which provides the optimal play for every possible hand against the dealer's up-card. We have a basic strategy chart for you below.
Insurance: Avoid taking insurance bets, as they have a high house edge.
Table Selection: Choose blackjack tables with favorable rules, such as those that pay 3:2 for blackjack and allow doubling down after splitting (DAS).
Bankroll Management: Manage your bankroll carefully and set limits to avoid chasing losses.
By understanding the basics of blackjack and employing effective strategies like card counting, players can improve their odds and have a more enjoyable and potentially profitable gaming experience.
