Blackjack is the most popular casino table game and a favorite of players of all skill levels. It is a simple game to learn but requires some strategy and etiquette. To play the game properly, you should understand how the cards are dealt, how to split and double your bets, and how to determine when to stand or hit. The game also has some rules that vary between casinos, so it’s important to check the specifics at each location.
In a standard blackjack game, 2 cards are dealt to each player and they must decide whether to hit and receive more cards or stand and keep their current hand. After each player has made their decision the dealer will draw one more card for their hand and then anyone who has a total closer to 21 than the dealer wins. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player loses their original bet but is paid 2 to 1 on any insurance wagers they may have placed.
The game is played with 1 to 8 decks of 52 cards. All number cards score their value, the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) count as 10 and Ace can be valued at either 1 or 11, depending on how the player desires to play it. A score of 21 on the first two cards is a blackjack and the player wins immediately unless the dealer has a blackjack, in which case a push occurs.
Once everyone at the table has played their hand, the dealer will check her hole card using a special viewing window in the table and then either draw another card or stop drawing when she gets to 17 or higher. The dealer then compares her hand to the players’. If the player has a higher total than the dealer, they win and their original bet is returned. If the dealer has a blackjack, everyone loses (unless they have a blackjack as well).
Some blackjack games allow players to split pairs of cards that have the same value. This can be a good strategy, especially when the dealer has a low up card. However, splitting pairs of cards against a dealer’s ace is usually not a good idea and should only be done against a 2 or 3 up card.
Most blackjack tables offer a variety of side bets that can be placed at the same time as the main bet. These include insurance, which pays if the dealer has an ace up, and match bets, which pay when the player’s cards match those of the dealer’s. Doubling down is another betting option that is sometimes available and pays if the player’s hand beats the dealer’s. This is only offered on certain types of blackjack games, and the exact rules of these bets vary from casino to casino.