Casino Blackjack - How to Play Blackjack

How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular games in any casino. It is relatively simple to understand and follow, and it is one of the few casino games where actual skill is involved. It gives the player an opportunity to win by understanding some of the basics of the game. Like all casino games, the player is playing the house, so the house has an advantage. But learning the basics of the game can give the player an opportunity to succeed.

Blackjack is simple in its premise; a player is trying to get as close as possible to a total of 21 without going over. If the player’s total is higher than the dealer’s without going over 21, the player wins.

In blackjack, the suits of the cards mean nothing. Cards 2-10 are worth their face value; jacks, queens and kings are also worth 10. Aces can be worth one or 11; the player gets to choose.

So a hand that is dealt with a 6 and an Ace can be worth 7 or 17.

A player is dealt two cards; he or she can choose to stand on whatever is dealt, or “hit” and take another card. If the player’s eventual total is 21 or less and is higher than the dealers, that player wins.

There are many simple rules for a player to utilize when playing blackjack to maximize the chances to win:

There are many online charts players can refer to that will help them. However, following these basic rules will usually help.

There are two kinds of hands: “Soft” hands, which feature aces, and “hard” hands, which do not have aces.

Here is a basic strategy guide for soft hands:
If you have A2 or A3: Double if the dealer has 5 or 6 - otherwise hit.
If you have A4 or A5: Double if the dealer has 4 thru 6 - otherwise hit.
If you have A6: Double if the dealer has 3 thru 6 - otherwise hit.
If you have A7: Stand if the dealer has 2, 7 or 8. Double 3 -thru 6 - otherwise hit.
If you have A8 or A9: Stand.

Here is a basic guide to hard hands:
If you have eight or less, hit.
If you have 9: Double if the dealer has 3 thru 6 - otherwise hit.
If you have 10 : Double if the dealer has 2 thru 9 - otherwise hit.
If you have 11: Double if the dealer has 2 thru 10, Hit if dealer has Ace.
If you have 12: Hit if the dealer has 2 or 3, Stand if the dealer has 4 thru 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 13- 16: Stand if the dealer has2 thru 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 17 - 21: Stand.

There are more intricate charts available, but this will give you a starting point. It is useful and effective for both online and real casino play.

There are also numerous in-depth methods of playing blackjack, including card counting, where a player can learn the skills to beat the game. This was featured in the recent movie “21.”

In general, however, blackjack can be understood and played effectively without having to learn intricate methods. Just remember that the house does have an edge. However, by playing smart and with the strategy outlined above you can easily learn to have successful sessions at the blackjack table.

Blackjack is a fun and easy game, but knowing a little strategy can take you a long way.