The Basics of Blackjack

Blackjack is a game of chance that requires little skill to play well. It is played between the dealer and the player. To win, the player must get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. If the player’s hand is higher than the dealer’s, the player wins and is paid an amount equal to his original wager. If the dealer’s hand is higher than the player’s, the player loses and the original wager remains on the table.

The first step in learning blackjack is understanding the rules. The game starts when the dealer gives each player two cards face up. Then, the player can ask for another card (hit) or stand with his current hand. If the player hits, he must beat the dealer’s hand total to win. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than the player’s, the dealer wins and the player loses. If the dealer’s hand is higher or lower than 21, a tie (push) results and the player’s bet remains on the table.

After all players have acted, the dealer will check her hole card, using a special viewing window in the table. If she has a ten underneath, she will have a blackjack and will pay out any insurance bets. If she doesn’t have a ten, she will continue to deal the rest of the cards like normal.

In most casino blackjack games, the dealer must hit until she gets a total of 17 or more. If she has a ten or an ace, she will usually hit on soft 17 (an ace with a two or three). However, if the dealer has a 10 and an eight, she must split these and not continue to draw until she has a total of 17.

It is very important for a blackjack player to know when it is appropriate to split or double down. For example, most blackjack players agree that it is a good idea to split pairs of nines, eights, and sevens, but not tens or threes. Splitting these cards allows the player to make two separate hands and increase his chances of making a winning hand.

When it comes to doubling down, the basic strategy is to do so whenever your initial two cards are of the same value, such as a pair of nines or eights against a dealer’s 8 or 9 upcard. However, you must always keep in mind that when doubling down, your total bet will double and you will lose money over time.

Many blackjack players try to minimize the house’s edge by keeping track of how many high cards are being dealt and comparing them to the number of low cards remaining in the deck. This is called the running count and the true count. The latter is calculated by dividing the running count by the number of decks in play. In order to use the counting system effectively, you must have a calculator with you at the casino.

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