Blackjack is one of the prominent casino game categories out there today. Unlike many other game types that rely solely on luck, this one allows players to develop winning strategies and skills to improve their chances of being rewarded.
I’m assuming you’re new to Blackjack or need some help with it, which is why you are here. This post will help you grasp the rules, from beginner to advanced level.
What is Blackjack?
Blackjack, commonly known as 21, is a popular card game where players compete directly against the dealer. Blackjack aims to gain a hand total closest to 21 than the dealer’s hand, all without going over or busting.
Gamblers play this game with one or more decks of 52 cards, and it has become the go-to option for skill-based gambling, whether in land-based or online casinos.
How to Play Blackjack?: Step-by-Step Guide
Every gambler has a unique way of playing blackjack, but I’ll show you the standard method for beginners to master this game type. Start playing blackjack as an absolute beginner with the step-by-step guide below:
1. Understanding Card Values
First, you must understand the card numbers and their contribution to the game’s outcome. Cards numbered 2 to 10 hold their respective face values. Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth 10 points each, while Aces can be worth anywhere between 1 and 11, depending on how beneficial it is to the hand. This is the starting point to learning how to win your next blackjack game.
2. The Objective of the Game
Before you make a real money commitment to a blackjack game, understand what the objective is. The goal is to beat the dealer with a hand closest to 21 without busting.
3. The Betting Process
Players must place their bets before the cards are distributed. Once a real money wager is made, the dealer hands out two cards to each player at the table and two to themselves. One of the cards is dealt face-down while the other is face-up.
4. Winning or Losing
If your hand total is greater than the dealer’s without exceeding the limit, you win. If the dealer goes over the limit, all remaining players automatically win. Having the same hand total as the dealer results in a push (tie), and you get back your bet.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
Implementing the correct blackjack strategy can greatly enhance your chances of winning. Here are some key strategies to consider:
1. When to Hit and When to Stand
The optimal time to hit is when your hand totals 11 or less. If your hand is 17 or more, it’s generally best to stand. However, if your hand is between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s visible card is a 7 or higher, hitting might be the wiser choice.
Standing on 12 is risky because it’s a low total, but hitting carries the risk of busting (if drawing a 10). However, the dealer’s 2 or 3 is not strong, so the best strategy is to hit and try to reach at least 17.
2. When to Double Down
The best time to double down is when you have a hand of 10 or 11 and the dealer’s face-up card is lower. Stay clear of doubling down when the dealer shows an Ace.
An 11 is an excellent starting hand since getting a 10-value card makes a perfect 21. Additionally, the dealer’s 6 is a vulnerable card, heightening their chances of going bust. Doubling down here maximises potential winnings.
3. When to Split
You can always split Aces and 8s, but do not split 5s and 10s; only split 2s, 3s, and 7s if the dealer’s face-up card is 7 or lower.
A pair of 8s totals 16, which is one of the worst hands. By splitting, you create two chances to build stronger hands instead of being stuck with a weak total.
4. When to Surrender
If you can, only surrender when you have a hard 16 and the dealer has a 9, 10, or Ace. 6 is weak against a dealer’s 10. Standing loses most of the time, and hitting has a high chance of busting. Surrendering loses half the bet but saves money in the long run.
Advanced Blackjack Strategies
Beyond fundamental blackjack strategies, there are also advanced techniques that can enhance your chances of winning.
1. Card Counting
Card counting is a strategy employed by professional gamblers to identify when the deck is more likely to benefit them. One of the most widely used methods is the Hi-Lo system, which enables players to track card values effectively.
- High cards (10, J, Q, K, A) are assigned a value of -1.
- Low cards (2-6) are assigned a value of +1.
- 7, 8, and 9 are neutral (0).
- A high positive count suggests more high cards remain, giving the player an edge.
Deck penetration is also important for players trying out card counting. This refers to where the deck is cut when shuffling which determines the percentage of cards cut from the game that don’t need to be considered when counting cards. The fewer cards cut, the better the penetration, increasing the chance of drawing high value cards.
This strategy has been applied by many players, including the MIT Blackjack team, made up of past MIT students, who used these techniques from 1979 to 2000 to beat casinos at Blackjack around the world.
2. Shuffle Tracking
Shuffle tracking is another advanced technique, mostly used in multi-deck games. It involves tracking groups of cards through the shuffle, then playing and betting when those groups come into play.
3. Avoid Side Bets
Many blackjack tables allow room for side bets such as 21 + 3 or Perfect Pairs. While this can be very tempting, avoiding playing them is in your best interest, as they often have a higher house edge.
Where to Play Blackjack? – Online vs. Land-Based Casinos
There are two available options where gamblers can play blackjack: at a physical or online casino. Both places have unique advantages and shortcomings, which I will share in this guide section.
Playing Blackjack at a Casino
Below are the benefits and disadvantages of playing blackjack at a land-based casino:
Pros:
- Authentic Vegas experience with real dealers and players.
- You can read the dealer’s and other players’ reactions.
- There is social interaction with dealers and players to enhance gameplay.
- No reliance on random number generators (RNGs).
- Enjoyment of complimentary drinks and rewards.
Cons:
- There is often limited table availability during peak times.
- Minimum bet requirements may be higher.
Playing Blackjack Online
Below are the benefits and disadvantages of playing blackjack at an online casino:
Pros:
- Players can engage from anywhere in the world.
- The minimum bet amount is often lower.
- Live dealer options are available.
Cons:
- No physical interaction with other players.
- Risk of playing at untrustworthy sites.
Advanced Blackjack Variations to Try
Once you’ve gotten the hang of classic blackjack, try your hand at other advanced variations. Some popular options include:
European Blackjack
European blackjack is a popular variation played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with the same goal of defeating the dealer by having a hand close to 21. The major difference between European blackjack and the classic version is that it can be played with either two, six, or eight decks of cards
Moreover, this version does not require the dealer to stand on all 17s, implying that they can hit if their hand totals 17 points or higher. The rules of this game lack the “late surrender” option that is present in the classic version. So, if a player perceives that they are going to lose they cannot give up 50% of their wager and fold.
Pontoon
This popular Australian blackjack variation can also be played with two, six, or eight decks of cards. The player can only double down on 9, 10, or 11, and no pairs can be split. The major distinction between these and every other form of blackjack is that Pontoon uses British terminology for key game concepts.
Take, for example, instead of saying “Hit me”, a player would say “Twist”. The dealer is also known as “banker”. The rules of this variation are similar to classic blackjack, with each player dealt two cards. Players can twist (be dealt another card) or stick (retain their current hand).
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 adds a little twist to traditional blackjack. This version is played with only six or eight decks of cards. The player can double down on any number of cards, and there are no penalties for taking insurance. This variation is played with a Spanish deck, a 48-card deck void of 10s. The goal of the game remains simple: having a higher hand than the dealer without going over 21.
Several advanced variations of blackjack offer unique twists on the game. It’s essential to understand their distinct rules and mechanics.
Final Tips for Success in Blackjack
As a final remark, here are some extra tips that will help you succeed as a blackjack player:
- Master Basic Strategy: Strategy is the foundation and is important if you intend to succeed. Firstly, ensure you go through all the basics before getting started.
- Set a Bankroll Limit: Never wager without having proper bankroll management. Always set gambling limits for each session and how frequently you play, whether you win or not.
- Stay Disciplined: Do not allow your emotions to dictate your decisions. Always follow through with your strategy and stay focused on the goal.
- Practice for Free: You can always practice blackjack with demo versions available online. This will improve your skills and get you familiar with the ecosystem.
By applying the above strategies, you can improve your gameplay significantly. Whether you’re playing for fun or serious winnings, blackjack is a rewarding and exciting game that combines skill and luck equally.
