Blackjack is a game of chance, but despite what you might have heard, there is actually a lot of strategy involved. Some people have even perfected the basic blackjack strategy, which means that in many situations there is a correct move that you can make. This is a great way to increase your chances of winning at this popular casino game.
Before you begin playing, you must place a bet. There are usually a number of different wagering options, including minimum and maximum amounts. You should always start with a small amount and gradually work your way up to a bigger bet. This will help you to avoid losing all your money and ruining your gaming experience.
Once you’ve placed your bet, the dealer deals cards to each player – two of them face up and one face down. Once everyone has their cards, they can either hit (ask the dealer for another card) or stand if they are happy with what they have. The dealer then takes his own cards and either hits or stands according to specific predefined rules depending on the numerical value of his hand.
To play blackjack, you must know how to calculate the values of your cards and that of the dealer. This is easy enough, as all cards have a rank and a point value – number cards are worth their numbers, face cards are worth 10, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11, as determined by their rank. If you have a hard total, you should ask for another card only if the dealer has a 6 or lower showing and you’re confident that it won’t push you over 21. Otherwise, you should stick with your current hand.
It’s also important to remember that the dealer has his own cards and can use them to beat yours – so don’t worry too much about what he might have, just try to get a higher hand than him. If you do, you win the hand and your bet is paid. Alternatively, you can split your cards or double down if you think that they’ll improve your odds of winning.
Some players like to refer to blackjack charts while they play, but it’s important not to do so too often, as the other players may start to notice and get annoyed. If you do want to keep using a chart, I recommend learning one chart at a time so that the other players don’t get too bored.
Another important thing to know about blackjack is that, if you have a blackjack and the dealer has a 21, you get your bet back plus 3:2! This is a great way to make some quick cash, and it’s also what the majority of punters will be hoping for.
Dealing blackjack isn’t just about controlling the game, it’s also about being a good customer service representative. Whether they are punters or high rollers, the people at your table are paying customers and should be treated with respect. This includes being open and compassionate to both accolades and complaints.
