Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer. It is played with individual or extra decks of cards, and is one of the most popular casino games worldwide.
The main goal of the game is to have a total value as close to 21 as possible without going over. This can be done by hitting (drawing a card) or standing (staying with your current hand). A hand that goes over 21 is a bust.
Basic strategy
There are many different strategies that can be used in blackjack. A good basic strategy will help you win more money in the long run. However, it is important to keep in mind that the house has a significant advantage over you. Luckily, there are ways to reduce this advantage and play the game more efficiently.
Early surrender
If you are dealt a face or ace and feel that your hand is unlikely to beat the dealer’s, you can surrender half of your wager before the dealer checks for blackjack. This is a good strategy because it allows you to lose less money and still have a chance of winning.
Late surrender
If your hand is likely to beat the dealer’s, you can also surrender half of your wager after the dealer has checked for blackjack. This is a good strategy for losing less money but you have to be careful not to give the dealer an unfair advantage.
Insurance
If the dealer has an ace and you think that they have a blackjack, you can place an insurance bet. This pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack, but only 1:3 if they do not have one. This is a bad bet for anyone who does not have a good understanding of the probability of the dealer having a blackjack.
The dealer’s hole card
When the dealer is dealing a hand of blackjack, he will reveal his card to everyone at the table. This is called the hole card and it shows the upper corner of the bottom card if it is an Ace.
You should be able to tell if the dealer has a hard or a soft card by how much effort it takes for him to see his hole card and at what angle he bends his cards in order to see them. It is best to watch for this before you take your seat at the table and begin playing blackjack.
Tournaments
Blackjack can be played in tournaments where the players compete against each other for a prize. In tournaments, each player starts with an equal number of chips and must finish among the top chip holders at pre-determined points in the tournament to win.
Tip dealers
Dealers at a blackjack table are paid a low wage, and tips are common. They are also trained in etiquette and customer service. It is important to tip well, but do not overtip a dealer.
The International Blackjack Dealers Association (IBDAA) offers a certification program for professional dealers. Applicants must complete an online course and pass a written exam. The certification is intended to ensure that dealers are knowledgeable and skilled at dealing the game, and provide proper etiquette and customer service.
