Table Games

Blackjack is the most popular card game in the world. On its surface there is a superficially convincing veneer of simplicity. You want to get as close as possible to twenty one without going over. That is it. But underneath this facile countenance lies complexities upon complexities. Blackjack is also the game of choice for professional gamblers, who use every trick in the book to get an edge, such as card counting, hole carding, ace sequencing, and more.

Blackjack begins by two cards being dealt to the player and the dealer. Typically both cards to the player are dealt face up (in single or double deck they are usually dealt face down and held by the player) but only one of the dealer’s cards is exposed. The player must then choose between a number of options. They can hit, to take another card, or stand if they think they have enough to win. If you have a pair you can split, and if you have a weak hand you may be able to surrender. Alternatively you can double down, doubling your bet and receiving exactly one more card. If you get a ten card and an ace as your first two cards this is called a blackjack and you get paid 3:2

Blackjack can be played with many different rules. The dealer can hit or stay on soft seventeen, surrender may be allowed or forbidden, and the player may be allowed or prohibited from doubling after they split. These rules change the odds of the game also impact on basic strategy.

Basic strategy is a rubric which dictates the expectation maximizing decision given any two initial player cards and a dealer upcard. So basic strategy will tell you to double with 9 v 3 and split 88 or AA vs anything. By using the right basic strategy for your ruleset you can increase your chances of winning and lower the house edge. Read more about the game Balckjack and find an overview of the best online casinos offering Blackjack games.