Even if you don't count cards though, you can play blackjack and know that you're getting some of the best odds in any casino. If you master basic strategy, then the house edge on any given blackjack bet is less than 0.5%. Compare that with the 5.26% house edge in roulette, and you can see what a great value for your gambling dollar that blackjack really is.
Learning how to play blackjack is deceptively simple too. It's a comparing game, where your goal is to beat the dealer. You do this by getting a hand with a total higher than the dealer's without going over 21. Another way to win is for the dealer to bust by getting a hand over 21.
The point values of each card in blackjack is determined by the card's rank. Numbers are ranked according to the number on the card, and suits are meaningless in most games. For example, the two of spades is the same value as the two of hearts or the two of clubs: two. All face cards are worth ten points each. And the ace is a "semi-wild" card--it can count as eleven, or it can count as one.
Blackjack Point Values
- Face Cards = 10
- Aces = 1 or 11
- All other cards = point value same as rank
Players are each dealt two cards to start. If the hand totals 21 on the deal, then the player wins 3 to 2 on her bet. If the player has less than 21, then she can choose to take more cards or stand pat.
The dealer also gets two cards, and one of those cards is face up. The dealer's face up card can make a difference to a player's strategy. For example, if a dealer has a 4 showing, then a player is more likely to want to stand than if a dealer has a 9 showing. Every total has an optimal play versus every potential dealer upcard.
If you play well, you pretty much break even at blackjack all the time. Or at least come close. And if you use your player card, you can get comped breakfast and stuff like that.
Online blackjack games can be a fun way to learn to play if you want to practice a little bit before playing in a live casino.
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