Blackjack Basics: From Novice To Strategic Player
When the Dealer is Weak (Upcard 2 through 6): The dealer is more likely to bust. Avoid hitting on risky hands like 12-16. You should hit your hard totals of 12-16 until you reach at least 17. This is also the prime time to double down and split to get more money on the table when the dealer is vulnerable. In these situations, you should be more conservative. A "soft hand" contains an Ace that can count as 11 without busting. You can play soft hands more aggressively because you cannot bust by taking one more card. When the Dealer is Strong (Upcard 7 through Ace): The dealer is likely to make a strong hand. Soft Hands: A "hard hand" is one without an Ace, or where the Ace must count as 1. You need to be more aggressive to win. For example, you should always hit on a Soft 17 (Ace-6). Learning and applying basic strategy is the single most important thing a Blackjack player can do. It won't make you win every time—luck is still a major factor in the short term—but it will give you the best possible chance to win and will ensure that the casino's edge over you is as small as possible. By playing smart, you can turn a simple card game into a compelling strategic challenge.
An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever is more beneficial to the hand. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10. Your cards are usually face up, while the dealer has one card face up (the "upcard") and one card face down (the "hole card"). - Game Start: You place your bet. You have several options, and choosing the correct one is the essence of Blackjack strategy. You and the dealer are both dealt two cards. - Exceeding 21: If your hand total exceeds 21, you bust and immediately lose your bet, regardless of what the dealer has. Card Points: Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value. Your Options: The Player's Decisions
After receiving your first two cards, it's your turn to act.
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