Blackjack is a game of strategy that involves a lot more than just luck. In fact, it requires a high level of analytical thinking and composure which is the reason why some people prefer playing this remarkable casino game. In addition to that, this fascinating card game also enhances creativity because it forces the player to think of ways to beat the dealer at all times. Moreover, it is one of the few games in casinos that an amateur can easily learn and become successful at.
The game of blackjack begins when the player selects a seat at a table. A typical blackjack table accommodates between five and seven players. If a seat is vacant, it is usually assumed that the player can take it (unless chips or a coat are holding the spot for someone else). It is important to check the rules of the particular casino you are playing at before you start playing. Some tables may have a “No-Midshoe Entry” policy where you can’t join a game that is in progress until the decks are reshuffled.
Once everyone has settled in at the table, each player places their bet. There are usually minimum and maximum bet amounts posted on the table. Once the bets are placed, the dealer deals each player two cards face up. Each player then decides whether to hit or stand. A player’s goal is to have a hand value of 21 or higher than the dealer’s. If the player’s hand is higher than the dealer’s, they win. If the player busts, they lose. If the dealer has a blackjack, they win all of the players’ bets.
Besides the basic rules, most blackjack games offer side bets that allow the players to place additional wagers. These side bets can include insurance which pays if the dealer has an ace up, or player match which allows the players to bet on specific pairs of cards. There are also bets on whether or not the dealer will bust or a player will make a poker hand with their first two cards.
Previous research has found that confidence in one’s knowledge of blackjack can have psychological and behavioral consequences, including outcome expectations, anxiety, and risk taking. In a series of experiments, we manipulated participants’ confidence levels and found that greater unjustified confidence in their knowledge of blackjack led to larger bets and reduced use of hints designed to improve play (measures of information search and consideration). These results are important because they suggest that when confidence increases without corresponding knowledge, it can lead to negative outcomes. This is an important finding that has implications for educational interventions in general. The raw data supporting the conclusions of this study are available upon request. All studies involving human subjects were reviewed and approved by Wake Forest Institutional Review Board, and all participants provided their written informed consent prior to participation. The studies are published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.