Blackjack: The King of Casino Table Games
Blackjack reigns supreme as the most popular casino table game, readily available at virtually every online casino. Its relatively low house edge and manageable variance make it a smart choice for bonus play (where permitted).
Gameplay and Rules
Card values in Blackjack are summed to determine hand totals. For instance, a 4, 5, and 6 total 15. Face cards are worth 10, while Aces flexibly count as either 1 or 11 (an Ace and a 7 can be 8 or 18). The goal? Achieve the highest hand total without exceeding 21 (a "bust," resulting in an automatic loss). A 21 from two initial cards is a coveted Blackjack, the highest-ranking hand, paying 3:2 (other wins pay 1:1).
After betting, both player and dealer receive two cards; one of the dealer's cards is face-up. Standard rules dictate that if the dealer's up-card is an Ace or a 10-value card, they check for Blackjack. If the dealer shows an Ace, the player can purchase "insurance" (paying 2:1 if the dealer's hidden card completes a Blackjack). However, insurance carries a significant house edge (2-15%, varying with deck composition and cards played), generally making it unfavorable unless specific circumstances (like a ten-rich deck) exist. Consult specialized guides for exceptions. If the dealer has Blackjack, the hand ends. Otherwise, the player chooses their action:
- Stand: Keep current cards.
- Hit: Draw another card (repeatedly until 21 or bust).
- Double: Double the bet and draw one more card (hand ends immediately). Only available on two-card hands.
- Split: If two cards have equal value, split them into two hands, doubling the bet. Each hand receives another card. Split Aces end after the second card; other splits allow hitting, standing, or doubling. A second split may be allowed.
Strategic Considerations
Despite complex rules, optimal Blackjack strategy is surprisingly straightforward, unlike baccarat which lacks strategic card choices. The focus in baccarat is solely on placing bets (banker or player) and observing the outcome. Banker bets offer a slightly lower house edge under typical conditions. Therefore, the optimal baccarat strategy is consistently betting on the banker.
