Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill can overcome chance. Studies of millions of computer-generated hands have yielded a strategy for when to hit, stand, double, and split. In addition to understanding basic strategy, a disciplined approach and positive mindset can further increase your odds of winning at blackjack.
Once the cards have been shuffled and cut, each player makes their bets. The players may choose to make a side wager, called insurance, in which case they place their bet in a separate box from the main blackjack bet. Generally, the blackjack wager must be equal to or greater than any side bet. Some games also require that a blackjack wager be made before any side bet is placed.
The dealer deals themselves two cards, face up (the “upcard”) and one card face down (“the hole card”). If the dealer has a natural blackjack (an ace plus a ten-value card, or 21 in two cards), they pay each player one and a half times their original bet. Then, the dealer collects the bets of any players who do not have a blackjack and the game continues.
In casinos, players can also take an optional bet, called insurance, against the dealer having a blackjack. This is a bet of $5, which is paid at 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This bet is not required, but many players choose to take it.
When the dealer has an ace showing, she will offer insurance to all players at the table. The player can buy insurance for half of their original bet, and if the dealer has blackjack, the player will receive an even money payout on their original bet instead of the standard 3 to 2 payout for a blackjack.
A player can also choose to double down when they have a two-card hand that is valued at 16 or lower. This is a risky move, as the player will likely bust if they continue to hit, but it can increase their chances of winning by a significant margin.
If a player has an ace and a ten-value card, or any combination of cards totaling 21, they have a blackjack, which beats all other hands in the game, including dealer’s naturals. However, if the player has an ace and a jack, or any other non-blackjack, they lose their bets.