Blackjack is a fast paced and exciting game, that is really easy to learn. The rules are straightforward. You play against a dealer, trying to beat the numerical value of his or her cards without going higher than twenty-one. Each player is dealt two open cards and the dealer one open card and one hidden card (hole card). The players then have a number of options, to either stick, hit, double or split. You can only split if you are dealt a pair. All picture cards are valued at ten and ace is either one or eleven.
Blackjack tips are also quite easy to learn. The most important tip is to learn how to play while considering the cards you have been dealt and the dealer’s open card. This is the secret to playing a good game of blackjack.
Basic tips:
If you are dealt two aces always split. The chances of being dealt a card worth ten is high, since all the picture cards are worth ten. You can not go bust, no matter what card is dealt and there is a reasonable chance that you will make at least one blackjack, which typically pays out three to two instead of the usual one to one.
If you are deal two fives or two tens never split. A value of ten is great, you can not go bust and maybe dealt another ten card or even an ace. By splitting two fives you are left in awkward no-man’s land. Of course it is possible to make two good hands starting from two fives, but the chances are slim.
If the dealer’s open card is six or lower, consider sticking even if you do not have a great hand. The dealer must hit when he or she has less than seventeen. Therefore, don’t take an unnecessary risk to go bust if it looks like the dealer might.
Always double when the value of your cards equals ten. Even if the dealer’s open card is an ace, statistically this will pay off. Here there are two different versions of the game that can be played. One only lets you double once. In this version, you are dealt the card and then have to stick, i.e. it is the end of your go. Another version lets you double as often as you like. These rules vary from casino to casino so make sure you know the house rules before you start playing.
Blackjack Tables:
There are many blackjack tables available, online and for free. These tables show the optimum move for every possible outcome. By understanding these tables and following the few blackjack tips above, you will quickly become a very good blackjack player. It is important to note that the tables are not considered cheating and can be found on many online casino sites. Also, the tables only have recommendations for the first draw after the initial deal. In other words, if the table recommends you to hit, taking in to consideration both yours and the dealer’s card, it does not offer any help on what to do after the third card has been dealt. But by now, who needs to use a blackjack table anyway?
