Essential guide to playing Blackjack in casinos
Uncover the fundamentals of blackjack, a timeless casino game that combines strategy with excitement. Learn the rules, key strategies, and insider tips to improve your game. Whether you’re new or experienced, this guide will prepare you for a successful blackjack experience at the casino.
1. Blackjack Rules
Blackjack is one of the most fascinating casino games. While it’s easy to learn and millions of people play it, mathematicians and statisticians have seriously studied it since the 1960s.
These experts developed systems to “beat the house,” shifting the casino’s advantage in favor of the player. The famous MIT team, for example, won millions in Las Vegas casinos (without cheating!).
Learning Blackjack
Before anything else, familiarize yourself with the basic rules. Simply put: “Blackjack is a game played against a dealer where the goal is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over.”
Card Values
- Face cards are worth 10 points each.
- Aces are worth 1 or 11 points (your choice).
- All other cards are worth their face value.
There are three ways to win:
- You score 21 (blackjack) while the dealer has a different score.
- You score higher than the dealer without exceeding 21.
- The dealer goes over 21, but you don’t.
Gameplay
Place your bet in the designated spot in front of you. The dealer then deals cards and offers the following options:
- Stand: Decline another card, usually at 17 or above.
- Hit: Draw another card without exceeding 21.
- Split: Divide your hand into two if you have a pair, doubling your bet.
- Double Down: Double your bet and receive one more card, ideal when your score is 11.
The dealer stops drawing at 17 or above. If you beat the dealer, you win your bet (or 1.5x if you have a blackjack).
Additional Rules
Some casinos offer special rules:
- Surrender: Forfeit half your bet if you choose to surrender early.
- Double Restrictions: Some casinos restrict doubling to certain totals, like 10 or 11.
2. History of Blackjack
Blackjack has a storied past and a “hall of fame” for legendary players, like Ken Uston, Edward Thorp, and Don Johnson. The game originated in French casinos in the 18th century, with its name derived from a payout for a combination of the Jack and Ace of Spades.
3. Card Counting in Blackjack
In the 1960s, MIT professor Ed Thorp developed a card-counting system that allows players to gain an advantage. Card counting involves tracking cards to determine when to bet higher, particularly when the deck is “hot,” or rich in high cards.
Basic Card Counting
Assign values to cards as follows:
- +1 for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- 0 for 7, 8, 9
- -1 for 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace
Start at zero with each new shoe, and bet high if your count exceeds 10.
4. Playing at a Land-Based Casino
Before playing, learn the rules perfectly and remain sober to keep a clear mind. After selecting a table, purchase chips by placing cash on the table, never handing it to the dealer directly.
Basic Etiquette
- Don’t touch your bet or cards after they’re dealt.
- Signal your actions with hand gestures, such as tapping the table for a hit or waving your hand for stand.
5. Reasons Blackjack is Popular
- It’s a Skill Game: Unlike slot machines, you control strategy and outcomes.
- Low House Edge: With basic strategy, you can play for a long time without losing significantly.
- Good Atmosphere: Blackjack tables generally foster a relaxed and social environment.
- Easy to Learn: The concept of staying under 21 while beating the dealer is simple and intuitive.
- Classy Appeal: The game has a storied reputation and is often depicted as stylish in movies.
6. Basic Blackjack Strategy
Your skill affects your odds, so here are a few key strategies:
Playing Hands Without an Ace
- 17 or more: Always stand.
- 12 to 16: Stand if the dealer shows a 6 or lower; otherwise, hit.
Playing Hands With an Ace (Valued at 11)
- 18 or more: Always stand.
- 17 or less: Always hit.
7. Blackjack Variants: Spanish 21, Poker 21, etc.
Spanish 21
This variant removes all 10s from the deck, providing more challenging odds. The dealer deals similarly but may vary rules by casino.
Poker 21
A French variant that blends blackjack with poker hands for additional bets. Players can win based on both blackjack hands and poker rankings.
8. Insurance in Blackjack
Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer shows an Ace. It can cover your original bet if the dealer has blackjack, but statistically, it increases the casino’s advantage. Generally, it’s best to decline insurance.