Blackjack is a classic and most popular casino card game in the world. The biggest difference between the game and other forms of entertainment is the element of luck, skill and strategy. In this article, PHDREAM will give you a comprehensive view of this playground so that you can confidently sit at the table and optimize your chances of winning.
Contents
What is Blackjack?
Blackjack is a game of comparing points between members and the dealer. The main goal is to achieve a total score of cards as close to 21 as possible but not exceeding this number.
If the total score is greater than the dealer and does not exceed 21, you will win the bet. When you get exactly 21 points with the first two cards (Ace and 10-point card), it is called game and you will win with a higher payout ratio (usually 3:2).
This game is popular not only because of the clear and easy-to-understand rules, but also because the dealer always has to follow fixed rules (such as always having to draw more cards when the total score is below 17), which creates a basis for you to apply mathematical strategies to optimize your decisions.
Basic rules of Blackjack
Understanding the rules of the game and how to calculate points is the first and most important step to playing successfully.
Card system and scoring
Blackjack usually uses 6 to 8 decks of 52 cards combined. The way to calculate points is extremely simple:
- Number cards (2 to 10): Points are equal to the face value of the card.
- Face cards (J, Q, K): Points equal to 10.
- Ace (Ace – A): This is a special card, which can be counted as 1 point or 11 points, depending on which value is more beneficial to the member without making the total score exceed 21.
- For example: If there is an A and a 6, the total score can be 7 or 17. In case there is an A, a 6 and a 5, the total score will be 1+6+5=12.
How to play a Blackjack game
Usually, according to the rules of the game, a game takes place in the following detailed steps:
Betting: Before dealing the cards, bet on your position.
Dealing: The dealer deals two cards to each person and himself. Members are usually dealt face up or face down depending on the way of playing.
The dealer holds a face-down card, each member in order performs the following actions:
- Hit (draw more cards) if they want to increase their score but not exceed 21.
- Stand (stop drawing) if they are satisfied with their current score.
- Double Down (double the bet and draw exactly one card at the end).
- Split (split the pair if the first two cards are the same into two independent hands).
- Surrender (give up the cards and receive a part of the bet back), in some variations allowed.
The dealer’s turn: When all opponents have completed their turn, the dealer plays according to the fixed rules (usually drawing until at least 17 points).
Compare points and pay out: Compare points between the participating members and the dealer:
- If the total does not exceed 21 and the dealer “Bust” you win.
- If both do not exceed 21, whoever has the higher score wins.
- If the scores are equal, a tie usually receives the bet back without winning more.
- If you have 21 with your first two cards and the dealer doesn’t have Blackjack, you’re usually paid 3:2.
Popular Blackjack variants
You don’t have to stick to a single approach to succeed in the game. Here are some of the popular ones you should know:
Classic Blackjack
This is the most popular version in traditional casinos. The dealer usually hits to 17 (which can be a “soft 17” – an Ace that counts as 11 plus the other total). Players are allowed to hit, stand, double down, split, and sometimes surrender (depending on the casino). This is also the foundation for other variations.
European Blackjack
This variant usually uses only two decks. The biggest difference is that the dealer only deals one card face up at first. The second card is only dealt after all players have completed their turn. This reduces their advantage because they don’t know if the dealer has game before they decide to Double Down or Split.
Atlantic City and Vegas Strip Blackjack Games
These are two popular variations in US casinos. The main difference is that the dealer will be dealt two cards (one face up, one face down) at the beginning. If the dealer’s face up card is an Ace or 10, the dealer will secretly check the face down card to see if it has Peek. If the dealer has Blackjack, the game ends immediately, saving the bet.
Live Blackjack
This is the most popular form of online play today, where people interact with real dealers through live streaming video. This experience brings a real feeling of sitting in a casino, while still applying the rules of the traditional or European variant. This genre often has the Bet Behind feature (betting on other opponents), allowing you to participate in betting even when the table is full.
Effective Blackjack playing strategy, high winning rate
Playing this card game is not only based on luck. By applying mathematical strategies, you can reduce the dealer’s advantage to the lowest level (usually below 0.5%).
Basic Strategy
Basic Strategy is a set of rules optimized according to probability math for every situation in the game. It guides when to hit, stand, double down or split based on your total points and the dealer’s open card. Following the Basic Strategy helps to reduce the dealer’s advantage to the lowest level (possibly less than 1%). You should practice this strategy table for each variation because the variation rules will affect the optimal decision.
For example, when the total is 12 and the dealer shows 4, 5 or 6, standing is a good choice because the possibility of busting is high if drawing more. But if they show 7 to 10, you should hit to try to get a higher score.
Money handling strategies and mental approach
No matter how good the strategy is, if you manage your capital poorly or let your emotions dominate, you will easily fail. Some principles to remember:
- Determine your playing budget: Only play with the amount of money you are willing to lose.
- Divide your bets: Do not put all your capital in one game; divide it into many small games.
- Keep calm: Do not “recover” when losing many games in a row, do not increase your bets too quickly.
- Stop at the right time: When you win a reasonable amount or when you lose too much, quit to preserve your capital.
- Don’t let emotions control you: When you are angry or too excited, you are likely to make hasty and wrong decisions.
Professional card counting techniques
Card counting is an advanced technique used to track the ratio of high-value cards (10, J, Q, K, A) compared to low-value cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) remaining in the deck.
- Principle: When the ratio of high-value cards remaining in the deck is large, the advantage is tilted towards the player. At that time, they will increase the bet.
- Hi-Lo Technique: This is the most popular card counting method, assigning a value of +1 to low cards (2-6), -1 to high cards (10-A), and 0 to 7, 8, 9. People add up this value (Running Count) to estimate the advantage.
However, card counting is a complex skill that requires a high level of concentration and can only be effective when playing with a physical deck or in variations that use fewer decks. Most modern online casinos use continuous shufflers (CSM) or electronic shuffles after each hand to neutralize card counting techniques.
Conclusion
Blackjack is a popular casino card game that offers many people the chance to win if they are willing to learn and apply the right strategy. Visit PHDREAM now to experience the feeling of being a winner in this exciting card game!