Blackjack is a game of skill and chance that involves card counting, strategy, and effective bankroll management. While luck plays a big role in the outcome of each hand, knowledge of the game’s basic rules and conventional blackjack wisdom can help you make the most of your time at the table.

In a game of blackjack, each player and the dealer are dealt two cards each. The player then decides whether to ’hit’ and ask for more cards or ’stand’ and end the hand with their current cards. If a player’s first two cards add up to 21 (an Ace and a card worth 10), they have a blackjack, which wins the hand.

The dealer then deals themselves one face up card and one down card. If the dealer has a ten underneath, they have a blackjack and win all the players’ original wagers. The dealer then pays out 2 to 1 on all insurance bets. If the dealer doesn’t have a ten, they continue with the rest of the hand as usual.

Once all of the players have decided if they want to hit or stand, the dealer will check their hole card for a ten. If they do, they will pay out everyone who bought insurance and the game will continue as normal. Otherwise, they will just continue to deal out their cards and whoever has the highest hand value wins.

When to Hit

Most of the time, it is best to hit a blackjack hand when the total of your cards is lower than 17 and the dealer has a low card that can potentially bust you. However, it is important to remember that the dealer has a good chance of beating you even if their cards are higher than 17.

When to Stand

When deciding when to stand, it is crucial to consider both your current card value and what the dealer is showing. For example, if you have a high card and the dealer has an ace, it is likely that they will get a blackjack. In this situation, it is best to stand.

Splitting Aces and 8s

It is generally recommended that you should always split aces and eights. This is because it will allow you to gain a higher total by combining your cards and will, based on the dealer’s upcard, allow you to either cut your losses or improve your chances of winning.

Side bets

Blackjack is a popular casino game that has many different side bets available. These can include betting on the dealer having a blackjack, doubling your bet when you have a certain number of points in your hand, and more. These bets can significantly increase your chances of winning, but they should only be made with money that you can afford to lose. Otherwise, you should avoid them altogether. A great way to manage your bankroll is to establish a fixed amount of money that you can bet each hand, and stick with it.