Blackjack Introduction

Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. Originating in French casinos around the 1700s, the game requires a mix of chance and strategy, making it an exciting choice for professional and amateur players alike.

 

Objective of the Game

The objective of the game is to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over, while still having a higher total than the dealer. If a player or dealer goes over 21, it’s known as a ‘bust’ and they lose the round.

 

Game Equipment

Blackjack is played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards. In a physical casino, the game is dealt from a special box known as a shoe. Players play against the dealer, and the game can accommodate several players at once.

 

How to Play

Setup: Each player places a bet to get into the game. The dealer then gives two cards to each player and themselves, usually dealing one of their own cards face up and one face down.

Gameplay: Players then choose to hit (take another card) or stand (take no more cards) in an attempt to get as close to 21 as possible. Other options include ‘double down’ (doubling the initial bet and receiving one more card) or ‘split’ (if the first two cards have the same value, they can be split into two hands with a separate bet for each).

Scoring: Card values are as follows: Cards from 2-10 are worth their face value; Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10; Aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the player’s hand more.

 

Odds

The odds in blackjack vary based on how you play the hand. For example, if you correctly use basic strategy, you can significantly reduce the house edge. The probability of busting also increases as the value of your hand increases. Here’s a basic idea:

  • Hand value of 12: 31% chance of busting
  • Hand value of 13: 39% chance
  • Hand value of 14: 56% chance
  • Hand value of 15: 58% chance
  • Hand value of 16: 62% chance
  • Hand value of 17: 69% chance
  • Hand value of 18: 77% chance
  • Hand value of 19: 85% chance
  • Hand value of 20: 92% chance
  • Hand value of 21: 100% chance

Note: This is if you’re considering taking another hit.

 

House Edge

The house edge in blackjack is the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. This can vary based on the specific rules of the game and how well the player uses strategy. Here are some common situations:

  • With the most liberal rules (single deck, dealer stands on soft 17, doubling after split allowed, etc.), the house edge can be reduced to as low as 0.28% with perfect strategy.
  • In a typical Las Vegas casino where the dealer hits soft 17 and multiple decks are used, the house edge can range from about 0.5% to 1%, assuming the player uses basic strategy.
  • The house edge can increase to 2% or more if the player does not use a strategy or makes poor choices.

 

Basic Strategy

The basic blackjack strategy is the optimal way to play your hand given the dealer’s upcard and is based on mathematical probabilities. Here’s a more detailed look:

Hard Hands:

A hard hand is any two-card hand without an ace.

  • If your hand is 8 or lower, always hit.
    If your hand is 9, double if the dealer has 3-6, otherwise hit.
    If your hand is 10-11, double if you have more points than the dealer, otherwise hit.
    If your hand is 12-16, stand if the dealer has 2-6, otherwise hit.
    If your hand is 17 or higher, always stand.
    Soft Hands:

A soft hand is any hand with an Ace counted as 11.

  • If your hand is 15 or lower (Ace and 4 or lower), always hit.
    If your hand is 16-18 (Ace and 5-7), double if the dealer has 6 or lower, otherwise hit.
    If your hand is 19 or higher (Ace and 8 or 9), always stand.
    Pairs:
  • Always split Aces and 8s.
    Never split 4s, 5s, or 10s.
    For all other pairs, split if the dealer has 2-6.

 

Advanced Strategy

Your strategy can change depending on the number of decks and whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17.

Single Deck Blackjack Strategy

Dealer Stands on Soft 17:

  • Double down on a hard 11 against the dealer’s Ace.
  • Double down on a soft 19 (Ace-8) against the dealer’s 6.

Dealer Hits on Soft 17:

  • Double down on a soft 18 (Ace-7) against the dealer’s 2.
  • Double down on a soft 19 (Ace-8) against the dealer’s 6.

Double Deck Blackjack Strategy

Dealer Stands on Soft 17:

  • You should not double down on 11 when the dealer’s up card is an Ace.
  • Double down on a soft 13 or 14 when the dealer’s up card is a 5 or 6.
  • Double down on a soft 15 or 16 when the dealer’s up card is a 4, 5, or 6.
  • Double down on a soft 17 or 18 when the dealer’s up card is a 3, 4, 5, or 6.

Dealer Hits on Soft 17:

  • Double down on a hard 11 against the dealer’s Ace.
  • Double down on a soft 17 when the dealer’s up card is 2.
  • Double down on a soft 18 when the dealer’s up card is a 2 or 7.

Multi-Deck Blackjack Strategy (4+ Decks)

Dealer Stands on Soft 17:

  • Surrender hard 15 against a dealer’s 10.
  • Surrender hard 16 (except 8,8) against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace.
  • Double down on a hard 9 when the dealer’s up card is 2.
  • Double down on a soft 17 or 18 when the dealer’s up card is a 2.
  • Double down on a soft 19 when the dealer’s up card is a 6.

Dealer Hits on Soft 17:

  • Surrender hard 15 against a dealer’s Ace.
  • Surrender hard 17 against a dealer’s Ace.
  • Double down on a hard 11 against the dealer’s Ace.
  • Double down on a soft 18 against the dealer’s 2.
  • Double down on a soft 19 against the dealer’s 6.

These strategies are based on statistical probabilities calculated through computer simulations, and they’re designed to give you the best possible outcome for each situation. But remember, even with perfect strategy, blackjack is still a game of chance. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.

 

Glossary of Terms

  • Hit: Request another card.
  • Stand: Decline additional cards.
  • Bust: A hand total over 21.
  • Push: A tie with the dealer.
  • Split: Divide a pair into two separate hands.

 

Tips and Tricks

Avoid insurance bets, manage your bankroll wisely, and remember that the dealer must follow set rules, often required to hit up to 16 and stand on 17-21.

 

Variations

Common Blackjack variations include Spanish 21, Pontoon, Blackjack Switch, and Double Exposure Blackjack.

 

FAQs

  1. What is the objective of Blackjack?

The objective of Blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. You can also win if the dealer goes over 21 and you do not.

  1. How is the game of Blackjack played?

Blackjack is played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards. Each player is dealt two cards and tries to reach 21 without going over. Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10, and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11.

  1. What is a Blackjack?

A “Blackjack” is an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), which total 21. It’s the best possible hand in the game and pays 3:2 in most casinos.

  1. What does it mean to “hit” or “stand”?

When you “hit,” you’re asking the dealer for another card. When you “stand,” you’re deciding not to take any more cards.

  1. What is “doubling down”?

“Doubling down” is when you double your original bet after receiving your first two cards. You’ll then receive one more card.

  1. When should I split my cards?

You should split your cards if you’re dealt two cards of the same value (e.g., two 8s or two Aces). This will divide your hand into two separate hands, and a new bet equal to the original one will be placed on the second hand.

  1. What is “insurance” in Blackjack?

Insurance is a side bet that you can place when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. If the dealer’s hidden card is a 10, giving them a blackjack, you win 2:1 on your insurance wager.

  1. Is card counting illegal?

No, card counting is not illegal. However, casinos generally do not like card counters, and if you’re caught, you might be asked to leave or barred from playing.

  1. Does the number of decks in play affect the house edge?

Yes, the house edge increases slightly with each deck added. Single-deck Blackjack has the smallest house edge, assuming the same rules are in place.

  1. How does a dealer play their hand?

The dealer must follow specific rules to play their hand. They must hit on a hand value of 16 or less and stand on a hand value of 17 or more. Some casinos require the dealer to hit on a “soft” 17 (an Ace and a 6).

  1. What is the house edge in Blackjack?

The house edge in Blackjack varies depending on the specific rules of the game. However, it typically ranges from 0.5% (for players using basic strategy in a game with good rules) up to 2% or more.

  1. Can I make a living playing Blackjack?

While some professional gamblers have been successful at playing Blackjack for a living, this is not recommended for most people. Even with perfect strategy, the odds are still slightly in the house’s favor, and there’s always a risk of losing money. Gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Always play responsibly.