Blackjack is a card game played against a dealer with the goal of reaching 21 first, then beating out their total with a hand closer than theirs (ideally through having a blackjack). If either hand total is closest, they win!

To play blackjack, players must first exchange their cash for casino chips. As it’s prohibited to touch cards directly, they must allow the dealer to exchange them for chips on their behalf.

Basic strategy

Basic strategy can help reduce the house edge in blackjack to less than 0.5% and increase your odds of victory, though it should be remembered that blackjack is ultimately a game of skill rather than luck – and even with flawless blackjack strategy you should expect more losses than wins.

When betting blackjack, it’s essential that your bet value remains consistent. Progressive betting increases can quickly eat away at your bankroll; thus, it is wise to avoid them as much as possible. Furthermore, any bet exceeding the initial starting bet can quickly lead to large losses within short amounts of time.

First step of playing blackjack is purchasing chips. To do this at the table, be sure to place the money directly in front of yourself rather than the dealer due to casino policy; they won’t accept direct payment for counting chips directly themselves before giving out cards to each player. The dealer will then distribute two cards per person.

Rules of etiquette

Blackjack is one of the most beloved casino games, yet its rules of etiquette can be difficult to comprehend. No matter if you’re experienced or new at playing blackjack, practicing good etiquette will enhance the experience for everyone around your table – here are some key rules you’ll want to keep in mind when playing.

It is generally best to leave personal items such as your cell phone in your pocket when playing blackjack, including drinks that cannot fit into one of the included cup holders. Also make sure that only one hand touches your chips at any one time; a casino dealer would be more than happy to show how to signal decisions using hand gestures if you are new.

Once you’re ready to leave the table, always leave a tip for your blackjack dealer – whether that be $5-$10 at an ordinary casino table. Doing this will not only help the dealer make more money during your session but will also encourage them to be more friendly and attentive towards other customers.

Dealer’s face-down card

Once players place their bets, the dealer distributes two cards and they decide whether to stand or hit. If one or more players has an Ace and 10-value card simultaneously, that counts as a Blackjack win; which wins instantly.

The dealer’s face-down card is an integral component of blackjack. Players use it to determine whether to hit or stand and split pairs/double down. Unfortunately, it’s illegal to look at this hole card without special glasses that allow for clear viewing without resorting to light manipulation or other means.

The object of Blackjack is to draw cards that total 21 or as close to it without exceeding (busting). Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 10, with Aces valued as either 1 or 11 depending on your personal preferences. You may split cards of equal value by placing another bet; alternatively take out insurance that pays out if the dealer has blackjack.

Insurance bets

No matter if you play at an actual casino or an online blackjack site, it is crucial to understand the math behind insurance bets. While it might seem tempting to make such bets when a dealer shows an ace card, most long-term players actually lose out because their house edge increases by over three percent when using this strategy.

Insurance is a side bet with odds of 2:1, designed to play independently from the player’s main bet. At each deal, the dealer will ask each player if they wish to add insurance as an add-on bet; once all have made their decision, play continues as normal.

Due to the proliferation of tables offering 6 to 5 blackjack tables, some confusion has ensued as to whether taking even money or insurance is best. While the calculations differ slightly on these tables, the basic idea remains unchanged: only take insurance when your dealer shows an ace card face up!

Double down

Double down can be an extremely lucrative strategy when used correctly, not only increasing winnings over time but also winning every hand that follows it. Before trying this betting tactic, however, it is crucial that you understand the rules of blackjack: firstly that when doubling down against a dealer with an inferior card (ie: you) then they always receive better cards (ie they always beat me when doubled). Secondarily that you may only double when having an impossible hand against someone with low cards; otherwise you are barred from doing so when trying this strategy against them (ie – doubled) before trying it yourself if the dealer has a weak hand or when having had hard hands against low cards (ie when the dealer).

Note that when placing a double down bet, you must place it next to your initial bet rather than on top of it. Placing chips directly on top could look like tampering and incur a fine from the casino. Signal your moves instead of speaking aloud; this will make them seem more confident. Don’t feel pressured into betting more money if results disappoint – more bets won’t increase the odds of success any further!