A lot of people know how to play blackjack, so be like the cool kids and learn. That’s the only way you’ll ever win, and besides, it’s actually a lot of fun to try. So, keep reading to find out the scoop, and good luck out there, kids.
How to play blackjack: the rules of the road
It’s not hard to play this game and win. The first step is simply learning the rules. Let’s start out with the basics. Here’s how to play blackjack regardless of where you’re sitting:
- You start out with only two cards. Add the values to determine where you stand before each round continues.
- If you’re under the goal, you can always hit. That means asking for another card either verbally or by knocking on the table.
- You’re allowed to stay if you’re not confident about the value of the next card.
- If your card values exceed 21, the dealer takes the pot and you lose.
- If the dealer’s hand exceeds 21, you take the pot and the dealer loses.
Keep in mind that the ultimate goal in blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand value without your card value going over 21. Also, don’t forget that the dealer’s hand remains a secret until the end of the round.
3 tricks to help you win the game
You don’t have to be a card shark to master the game. The odds of winning blackjack may hover somewhere around 1% but that doesn’t mean you can’t take home the bacon. Keep these three tricks up your sleeve at all times:
- Understand Card Values – Remember, face cards are worth 10 points each, and number cards should be taken at face value.
- Pay Attention to Card Usage – For example, if a lot of face cards have already been used then it increases your chances of getting dealt a smaller card.
- Know When to Hit or Pass – The closer you are to the goal of 21, the easier it is to go over and lose because of a high-value card.
One of the golden rules of blackjack is to never get greedy. The minute you think the odds are in your favor, you hit at the wrong moment and lose the entire pot.
How to play blackjack and beat the odds
Beating the odds in blackjack is a lot easier than it sounds. Here are some basic guidelines to help you meter your bets:
- Try not to take the insurance, even if it sounds good.
- If it’s allowed, always surrender a 16 against a 10 because the odds are stacked against you big time.
- Aces can be counted as 11s or 1s depending on the value of your other cards.
- Soft doubles give you an advantage because they can’t be busted with a one-card hit.
- Double down on your bet if you believe your hand is a winner.
The takeaway
Regardless of where you play, the rules of blackjack are always the same. Respect the rules and exploit the odds for better game success.
