Blackjack is a game of both skill and strategy that uses 52 cards as its playing surface. Each card carries its own numerical value (face cards are worth 10 points, while aces may count either 1 or 11), and the aim is to reach 21 without going over. Each hand also receives two cards from the dealer who must hit or stand according to predetermined rules.
Players make bets on the outcome of their hands by placing chips into a betting circle. After all bets have been placed, a dealer will distribute two cards face up for each player; once all bets have been made, each player may either “hit” (receive additional cards) or stand (keep their current ones). When hitting cards they must choose to either split a pair identical cards or double down (increase initial bet and only allow for one additional card).
Players who obtain two cards totalling 21 in their initial two cards win and will be paid back 1:1 of their original wager, or 2-1 if closer than the dealer to 21. Ties are considered “pushes”, meaning that your bet remains on the table and no payout occurs.
The game’s rules provide for various side bets such as insurance – which involves placing a bet that the dealer has blackjack. Before dealing the cards, each player can place an insurance bet up to half their initial wager amount that pays out 2 to 1.
Once considered the pinnacle of casino gaming, blackjack has since fallen behind other gambling options such as video poker and baccarat. Furthermore, competition from online casinos has caused many Las Vegas casinos to reduce some of the game’s advantages for less profitable play; thus making blackjack less profitable for players than it once was; yet smart and disciplined players still possess ways to beat the house at blackjack.
