Blackjack is a card game where players compete against the dealer. The objective is to get closer to 21 than the dealer and have a higher-valued total than his or hers. Whether you’re playing online at DraftKings or in a live casino, understanding the rules of the game is essential to success. The rules of blackjack are simple, but there are several strategic decisions you’ll have to make as a player, including when to hit, stand, split, double down, or exercise any blackjack side bets. Here are some tips to help you improve your strategy.
Blackjack Terminology
Before you start playing blackjack, it’s important to familiarize yourself with standard terminology. This includes terms like ’hit,’ which means to take another card, ’stand,’ which means to keep your current hand, and ’bust,’ which refers to exceeding 21. You’ll also need to know the rules of the game, such as that a dealer must hit until his or her cards reach 17 and that a blackjack pays 3:2 at most casinos.
While learning the basics of blackjack is a good place to start, it’s also worth studying a basic strategy chart. This will help you understand the odds of winning each hand and when it is most advantageous to hit, stand, split, or double down. You can find these charts on the internet, or you can purchase a blackjack card that provides a step-by-step guide to optimal play.
Having a basic strategy chart will help you avoid making emotional and impulsive decisions. It will also enable you to practice effective bankroll management, which is an important aspect of long-term success in blackjack. This involves setting a session bankroll in advance and defining your standard unit size, or the amount you’ll wager each hand. This will prevent you from chasing losses and depleting your blackjack budget too quickly.
Stand When It’s Statistically Bright
Choosing when to stand is one of the most complex aspects of blackjack, but there are certain circumstances in which it is almost always the correct decision. When the dealer’s upcard is a 7, for example, it is usually best to stand on a pair of 9s because there are four times as many 10 value cards in the deck than there are 7s. The dealer will likely bust, and you’ll win the hand.
It’s also a good idea to avoid taking insurance when the dealer shows an ace. This bet pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack, but it is generally riskier than other side bets and can dramatically reduce your overall profitability. In addition, it’s often impossible to prove that the dealer has a blackjack, so you should only ever make this bet when it’s your only option. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid it altogether. This will minimize your risk and help you make the most of your winning streaks. It’s also a good idea to be aware of your bankroll at all times, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.