Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games mainly because of its captivating appeal and the challenge that the game presents. In certain jurisdictions, the game of blackjack is commonly referred to as 21 because the main goal of the game is for the player to beat the dealer’s hand by achieving a hand with points total as close to 21 as possible, but without exceeding 21. Blackjack is a game of skill and experienced players with the ability to apply the right strategic moves can significantly lower the house edge and increase their chances of winning.

It is important to bear in mind that the rules of blackjack vary from one casino to another and players are encouraged to get familiar with the variations before they sign up with a specific casino. Standard Blackjack is played with a deck of 52 cards, several decks can be mixed together in what is referred to as a shoe in order to speed up the game and in order to make the technique of card counting much more difficult. The number of decks varies from casino to casino but generally ranges between two to eight decks. The game of blackjack is played on a specially designed table with sufficient room for up to eight simultaneous players each with their own designated playing area where cards are placed and bets are made.

How to Play Blackjack

The game of blackjack commences when the dealer gives each player a card and deals a card for himself as well. When the cards are first dealt, they are placed face down but players are allowed to look at the cards. In the second instance, the dealer gives a card to each of the players and deals another card for himself face up allowing all players to see his card. Once each player has secured at least two cards several tactical moves can be applied in order to increase your odds of winning.

Actions

HIT: You take an additional card from the dealer as many times as possible in order to get as close to 21 as possible. The player must not exceed 21 in order to avoid getting “bust” and losing his bet.
STAND: When a player is satisfied that his score will beat the dealer’s hand, he will accept no more cards.
DOUBLE DOWN: In this case the player elects to double his original bet, and can only take one more card from the dealer regardless of the value of the card.
SPLIT: In the event that a player has two cards of the same denomination he may split the cards and play the cards in two separate hands.
SURRENDER: This option allows a player to surrender and take half of his bet back.

After the player and the dealer have completed their actions, all cards are revealed and the player with the highest score wins.