Blackjack is one of the few casino games that require a degree of skill. More engaging than a slot machine and less complex than poker, this game requires analytical thinking and composure, but also allows players to use their imagination and tenacity. Unlike most casino games, blackjack can be learned in a relatively short time and offers some solid bits of mathematics that can turn the odds in the player’s favor.
Typically, blackjack is played with two decks of cards, though many games now employ six or eight decks, which are kept in a shoe (a boxlike device that holds the cards). After the player has made their bet, the dealer shuffles the cards and cuts them. He then deals the player two cards face-down, while requesting an insurance bet of up to half the initial bet.
After the player has analyzed his cards, he can decide to stand (remain at his current position), hit (ask for another card), or split (divide a pair of cards into two separate hands). He may also double down (double the original bet and receive only one additional card). The object is to get a better hand value than the dealer’s without going over 21. If the player does go over 21, he or she loses.
When the dealer shows a face-up card of 9 or lower, it is an excellent time to stand, since the dealer will bust about 80 percent of the time with a 9. If the dealer has a 10, it is an excellent time to double down, because a pair of 10s has a better chance of making a good hand than an unpaired hand.
Novices tend to overplay their hands, while expert players know to be more selective with their decisions. The best hands in blackjack are those that are a combination of splitting pairs and doubling down. These hands are a bit riskier, but have the potential to yield much more than a single-valued hand.
If you’d like to try your luck at the table, look for a blackjack table with a minimum and maximum bet placard. Most tables allow for five to seven players, and you can join a game in progress unless chips or a coat are holding the seat (or unless the table has a No-Midshoe Entry policy, marked by a sign). Then wait until the shuffle before playing. Our friendly dealers are happy to answer your questions.