How To Win At Blackjack
Many ways to win at blackjack, all consisting of getting an edge over the casino. Start with counting, which can give you about 1% advantage. Next would be shuffle tracking which would double your edge from counting, it still maybe about 1%, but you would be betting about twice as often. Use our sample 'Blackjack Cheat Sheet.' Read it or download it for free. Free help from wikiHow.
Objective | To beat the dealer by having a higher card total without going over 21 |
Card Values | 2 to 10 = Face Value J, Q, K = 10 Ace = 1 or 11 **Note: The card suits are irrelevant in Blackjack.** |
Definitions | Blackjack = an Ace and a card worth 10 points (21 total) Hole = the dealer’s card that is face down Hit = draw another card Stand = take no more cards Bust = going over 21 |
How to Play | - Players place bets by putting the desired number of chips in the circle in front of their seat. - The dealer deals two cards face up to each player. The dealer receives one card face up and one face down. - The dealer asks each player, in turn, whether they want to hit or stand. - Base your decision on the assumption that the dealer has a card worth 10 points in the hole. - Indicate that you want a hit by tapping the table or making a motion to beckon another card (as if motioning someone to “come on back”). Continue until you desire no more cards. **Note: Most casinos do not allow you to touch the cards.** - If you don’t want a hit (or are finished hitting), indicate so by waving your hand back and forth face down over your cards. - Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals his hole card and hits or stands as appropriate. - Payouts are issued based on the outcome. |
Winning | If your total is higher than the dealer’s (or if the dealer busts), you win. |
Payouts | - If you get Blackjack, the dealer pays you 3 to 2. - If you and the dealer both get Blackjack, it is a push and no chips are given or taken away. - If you have a higher total than the dealer (or the dealer busts), the dealer matches the amount of your chips. - If you have a lower total than the dealer (or you bust), the dealer takes your chips. |
Doubling Down | You are allowed to double your bet after receiving your first two cards. You do this by placing the additional chips next to your original bet. If you decide to do this, you receive only one additional card. |
Splitting | If you receive two cards of the same number, you can split them into two separate hands. Do this by placing another equal bet alongside your first bet. The dealer will separate your cards and give you an additional card to make each one a complete hand by itself. You will then play each hand separately as you normally would. |
Insurance | If the dealer’s face up card is an ace, he will offer players the option of buying insurance. If you choose to do so you can then wager half your original bet (in addition to it) that the dealer does have Blackjack. If he does, your insurance is paid 2 to 1 but your original bet is lost (meaning you break even for the hand). If he does not have Blackjack, you lose your insurance. |
Even Money | If you have Blackjack and the dealer has an ace showing, the dealer will offer you even money for your Blackjack (instead of 3 to 2). If you do not take it and the dealer also has Blackjack, you will have a push just like normal. |
Here are some guidelines for how to play your blackjack hand:
How To Win At Blackjack At A Casino
You have.. | Dealer shows.. | You should.. |
8 or less | Doesn’t matter | Always hit |
9 | 3,4,5, or 6 2 or 7 and upNew york times paradise casino ny. | Double down Hit |
10 | 2 through 9 10 or Ace | Double down Hit |
11 | 2 through 10 Ace | Double down Hit |
12 | 2, 3, or 7 and up 4 through 6 | Hit Stand |
13 to 16 | 7 and above 2 through 6 | Hit Stand |
17 to 21 | Doesn’t matter | Always stand |
An ace can make things a bit more complicated. Here’s what to do if one or both of your cards is an ace:
You have an ace and.. | Dealer shows.. | You should.. |
Another ace | Doesn’t matter | Always split |
2 or 3 | 5 or 6 Anything else | Double down Hit |
4 or 5 | 4, 5, or 6 Anything else | Double down Hit |
6 | 3 through 6 Anything else | Double down Hit |
7 | 3 through 6 2, 7, or 8 9 and up | Double down Stand Hit |
8 or 9 | Doesn’t matter | Stand |
10 and up | Doesn’t matter | Stand (You have blackjack!) |
Another tricky situation occurs when you are dealt two of the same card initially. The chart below shows what to do in that instance:
How To Win At Blackjack With Basic Strategy
You have a pair of.. | Dealer shows.. | You should.. |
2s or 3s | 4, 5, 6, or 7 Anything else | Split Hit |
4s | Doesn’t matter | Never split |
5s | 2 through 9 10 and up | Never split; double down Never split; hit |
6s | 3, 4, 5, or 6 Anything else | Split Hit |
7s | 2 through 7 8 and up | Split Hit |
8s | Doesn’t matter | Always split |
9s | 2 through 6 7 8 or 9 10 and up | Split Stand Split Stand |
10s, jacks, queens, or kings | Doesn’t matter | Never split; stand |