Blackjack is one of the world’s most beloved casino games, beloved for both its simple rules and potential for giving players an edge against dealers if played properly. Card counting – an approach requiring focus and memory – provides such an edge; although there are multiple strategies which can boost players’ pay-offs. Following an established system has proven its ability to overcome house edge, but mastery requires practice to achieve results; although anyone with good memory skills and some understanding of probability theory will eventually achieve it.
Once all bets have been placed, the dealer presents each player with two cards face up. From there they may choose whether to “hit,” acquiring additional cards, or “stand,” keeping their current hand. If their hand value equals or surpasses that of the dealer they win. If either has a blackjack hand they lose; otherwise both parties end in a tie, meaning neither wins their bet back.
Players can double their bet when starting with a starting hand of 9, 10, or 11. This is done by placing an additional bet equal to their original stake; if this results in a blackjack, it pays out three-to-two.
Some casinos have altered the payout for blackjacks from 3 to 2 to 6 to 5, increasing the house edge and taking more money away from players’ pockets. Although this may not be an issue at every casino, it is wise to be aware of any rule changes before playing.
Other players’ decisions at the table shouldn’t affect your odds of winning; you should always abide by basic strategy regardless of their performance at the table. Be wary of increasing your bets based on factors such as emotional state or whether or not you’ve just experienced a winning or losing streak; such considerations have no bearing on blackjack odds. Cards don’t care whether you’re feeling low, or whether or not you just hit big! Mathematics plays a central role in blackjack; regardless of your approach to the game, mathematics will always provide a mathematically optimal strategy that increases your chances of victory. Practice these basic strategy moves and watch as your winnings increase with each run through of blackjack! Michael Shackleford is an expert on casino gaming and founder of The Wizard of Odds website. A former actuary and adjunct professor in casino math at University of Nevada Las Vegas, he has spent many hours calculating odds and developing strategies. Recognized as an authority on casino gambling he has been featured on multiple television programs as a recognized expert on this form of entertainment.