Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is played by the dealer and the players in a face to face game with the objective of getting a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. This can be done by hitting, standing, doubling down, splitting, and exercising blackjack side bets. The game has a rich history, dating back to 18th century France where it was first known as vingt-et-un or 21. However, it didn’t become the popular game that it is today until Edward O. Thorp outlined the basic strategy in his 1963 bestselling book Beat The Dealer.
Thorp’s blackjack strategy revolutionized the industry and helped to make it a legitimate means of earning a living. The game is now played in casinos around the world, on television, and online. Many people play blackjack just for the thrill of it, but a few understand how to play strategically and can improve their odds.
Proper money management is essential to blackjack success. Set a bankroll for your playing sessions and pre-determine how much you are willing to wager per hand. This will help you avoid making emotional decisions or chasing losses and will allow you to play longer.
In addition to sound blackjack strategy, a player can maximize their payouts by taking advantage of blackjack bonuses and promotions. These can include sign-up offers, free bets, and cashback on losses. These bonuses can significantly increase a player’s bankroll and improve their chances of winning big.
When it comes to hitting in blackjack, the best time is when your cards add up to 11. This is because you can’t bust at this point and will have a good chance of being dealt a better card to improve your hand. On the other hand, if your hand is a hard 17 or higher, it is a good time to stand.
Double down when your initial two cards have a value of 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 10. This strategy takes into account that aces are valued as either 1 or 11, which gives you more options for improving your hand.
Using the blackjack strategy chart can help you make the best decision for your situation. Find your hand in the first row of the chart and look across to the column that corresponds with the dealer’s upcard to determine what action to take. The table below shows the best times to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. You can also use a Blackjack strategy calculator to see how your decision will affect the odds of your hand. This tool can be found on many websites and is easy to use. It’s important to note that while the charts below give you the most optimal decision, it is not a guarantee of winning. All bets in blackjack have a negative expectation, but you can minimize the house edge by making the least bad decisions.
