Blackjack – Rules and Strategies of the Game

There are certain games in the world of gambling that have existed for centuries and still remain in great demand. One of them is blackjack – a widely played card game that had its origins in France. French colonizers introduced this game to America, where it gained the current name. The term "jack" was applied to refer to the ideal combination of an ace and a jack, especially when the jack was a spade ("black" suit). If you're looking to explore where to play, check out this comparison of blackjack casinos to find the best options.

Today, blackjack is familiar to card game enthusiasts who know that winning blackjack is quite complicated since it is played against the casino. In this article, we will explain to you what blackjack is, its most characteristic features, and how to win with some strategies and tips.

Basic Rules of the Game

In blackjack, the winner is the individual who has obtained more points than the dealer but without exceeding 21. The player is a winner with any hand if the dealer busts. The players are not competing against each other, but against the dealer, the casino's representative.

Upon beginning the game, after bets are placed, two cards are dealt to each player from left to right. Players receive their face-up cards, with one face-up given to the dealer. Points are counted and players decide if they need further cards. Should no further cards be needed, the dealer draws until he has 17 points or more. All hands are opened and matched.

Players can:

Hit – draw another card;
Stand – complete their turn and not draw further cards;
Surrender – lose half the bet and leave the round;
Split – split into two hands if the two cards are equal in value;
Double down – double the bet, draw a further card, and then stand.

How Points Are Counted and the Winner Decided

Players like the simple rules of counting in blackjack:

An ace counts as 11 unless it would put the player into a bust, in which case it counts as 1;
Face cards (10, Jack, Queen, King) count as 10;
Cards 2-10 count at face value.

When both a player and some other player draw a 21, the player with the two-card combination (blackjack) is the winner. If both the player and dealer draw a blackjack, the player's bet is returned and they tie.

Standard Blackjack Strategies

A game of blackjack is based upon the first two cards dealt out. Players use basic math to calculate: with 12 points, for example, it generally is best just to stay and not risk pulling another card trying to reach a higher amount greater than 21. Players should hit if 10 or lower points as approaching 19–20 points usually will win. Additional strategic advice includes:

Use precalculated strategy tables with best computed plays;
Ignore the actions of other players and focus on your hand;
Don't employ progressive betting systems;
Handle your bankroll and apply money management techniques.

Popular Blackjack Versions

Similar to most casino games, blackjack also has a multitude of versions. Some of the most popular are:

Vegas Strip – Played with 4 or 8 decks; doubling down possible even after splitting.
Atlantic City – The dealer checks for blackjack when they receive an ace or a 10; card splitting is allowed in three manners.
European Blackjack – The major difference lies in dealing cards: players are first dealt one card face up, then another in the next round. Doubling and splitting are not allowed.
Progressive Blackjack – Includes a jackpot side bet. Split hands are treated as one, and a player can have up to five hands. There are doubling rules with specific conditions.

There could be variations provided by some casinos. Always read the rules before playing to understand how the game differs from the one you know.

Conclusion

Although blackjack rarely results in huge payouts, it is still a favorite. Its simple rules, strategic depth, and variety of game types offer an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. Today, one or more versions of blackjack may be found in most licensed online casinos.