Blackjack: The King of Casino Table Games
Blackjack reigns supreme as the most popular casino table game, readily available at virtually all online casinos. Its relatively low house edge and manageable variance make it a strategic choice for bonus play, where permitted.
Gameplay and Rules
Blackjack scoring is straightforward: card values are summed. For instance, a 4, 5, and 6 total 15. Face cards are worth 10, while Aces flexibly represent 1 or 11 (an Ace and a 7 could be 8 or 18). The goal? Achieve the highest hand value under 21. Exceeding 21 results in a "bust," an automatic loss regardless of the dealer's hand. A 2-card 21, a Blackjack, is the ultimate hand, paying a lucrative 3:2 bonus. Other winning hands pay 1:1.
After betting, both player and dealer receive two cards; one of the dealer's cards is revealed. Standard rules dictate a dealer peek for Blackjack if an Ace or 10-value card is showing. If an Ace is visible, players can opt for "insurance" – a 2:1 payout if the dealer's hidden card completes a Blackjack. However, insurance carries a house edge of 2-15%, generally unfavorable unless specific conditions (like a deck rich in tens) exist. Consult specialized resources for exceptions. A dealer Blackjack immediately ends the hand. Otherwise, the player decides their next move:
- Stand: Keep current cards.
- Hit: Draw another card (repeated until 21 or bust).
- Double: Double the bet and draw one more card, ending the hand. Only available on a 2-card hand.
- Split: With two equal-value cards, create two separate hands, doubling the bet. Each hand receives another card; further hits, stands, or doubles are possible (except after splitting Aces).
Strategic Play
Despite complex rules, optimal Blackjack strategy is surprisingly simple. Unlike some games, there's no agonizing over card selection; the focus is on when to hit, stand, double, or split. Detailed strategy charts are readily available online to guide optimal decisions.
