Blackjack Basic Rules
Blackjack is a game that's notoriously player-friendly. If you thoroughly understand the rules, and if you know how to make the right play, then you can dramatically reduce the house's edge and increase your odds of winning.
The rules of blackjack are simple. Hand-held blackjack games are played with one or two 52-card decks. Shoe games utilize between four and six decks. Blackjack tables can vary in size. There are tables that seat up to seven heads, and tables that can fit only five or six players. Blackjack can be played with a full table, but only one player is actually needed to square off against the dealer. The blackjack rules are the same regardless of the number of players.
Everyone at the table is dealt two cards, including the dealer. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer by amassing a higher hand total without going over 21. Your hand total is the sum of your different cards. Numbered cards have numbered values. Suited cards are worth ten, and an ace can be worth either one or eleven, depending on the hand.
If you are dealt a natural or a two card hand that has a value of 21, then you'll get paid 3 to 2 on your initial wager. After looking at the value of their hands, players must decide whether or not to hit, stand, double down, split, surrender or take insurance.
Hit
If you hit, you will be dealt an additional card that will add to your hand value.
Stand
If you stand, you're not dealt any additional cards, and your hand value remains the same.
Split
Splitting happens when you are dealt a pair. When your first two cards are a pair, you can split your existing hand into two separate hands. Each hand will be accompanied by a bet that's equal to your original wager. (Tip: Don't ever split 10s, 4s or 5s. Split aces and 8s, always).
Double down
Doubling down means that you are doubling your wager. In this situation, you announce that you are doubling down, and you're only dealt one additional card.
Surrender
Some casinos allow players to surrender hands. When you think that you've been dealt a bad hand, you can cut your loses, give up half of your initial wager and surrender the hand.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet that you make when you suspect that the dealer has been dealt a natural. If the dealers up card is an ace, you'll be offered insurance before any further game action happens. (Tip: It's a good idea to avoid insurance bets, because the odds of the dealer being dealt a natural are slim).
Knowing what action to take and when to take it is the key to being a successful blackjack player. In blackjack, the dealer does not have a strategy. The dealer simply follows the house rules. Players have choices, and the choice each player makes is dependent on what cards they have, and the value of the dealer's visible card.
Skilled blackjack players must make use of the basic blackjack strategy. Basic strategy is a set of rules that you can play by that are mathematically proven to increase your odds of winning. Basic strategy is a time tested method. If you are serious about playing blackjack, then invest in a basic blackjack strategy chart. Once you've thoroughly practiced your basic strategy, you'll be ready to rake in the dough. Remember that the basic strategy is different for single and multi-deck games.
