Are You Good at Blackjack?

Blackjack is a deck game which, along with maybe Poker, is arguably the most synonymous with casino card game culture. It is played in many variations, such as the traditional shoe styles, single or double deck, continuous shuffler games, and other regional variations. For those of you looking to hone your skills at it, let me do a basic run down of the objectives of the game, and dispel some widespread but completely unfounded myths about it. While at it, I will also let you in on some simple and effective tips about this quintessential casino card game.

The Premise of Blackjack

The objective of Blackjack is simple – the player has to beat the dealer and others at the table by drawing cards that add up to be the closest to the value of 21. A total of 21 is a perfect score in this casino card game. Going over number, however, makes you lose the hand. Cards with the number 10, the Jack, the Queen, and the King, are all counted as a value of ten in Blackjack. Aces can be counted as a value of either one, or in some game types, as eleven. The rest of the cards are counted on their respective face values.

The game is dealt with each player, including the dealer, receiving two cards – one face up, and the other face down. Each player may choose to either “stand”, or “hit” their hand. When hitting, if the total comes to over 21, the player loses the hand. You are in the game until the dealer hits and busts. Plus, you always win this casino card game if your total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s. In case of identical totals, the game is tied. If a player gets an ace and a 10 as the first cards in the game, then he/she is announced to possess Blackjack. This entitles him/her to a big wager on the bet amount – usually a minimum of 50%. This, however, is declared null and tied in case the dealer too possesses Blackjack.

Common Blackjack Myths and Tips on How to Avoid Them

Notwithstanding popular belief, Blackjack is not a casino card game that is decided by luck. It is, in fact, among those rare casino games where the skillfulness of a player can trump the all-pervasive power of the house. One does not need to be a mathematical genius to be good at it. While a sharp eye and the ability to count cards can definitely push your win percentage up, simply using clever game-play strategy too can make you a tough Blackjack cookie.

Despite most players believing otherwise, the competence of other players at your table does not affect your chances of winning your hand, unless you get annoyed by their countenance and lose concentration. Also, it is not impossible to win games with a large number of decks, although they do require better focus. Your position at the table is immaterial. So do not pay heed to those who say that the last one on the table is a sure-shot loser.

Always remember, card counting is not illegal in Blackjack. It is a myth propagated by pop culture and casinos that lose money to players with a sharp eye. Same goes for the lie that players who do not have large bankrolls cannot win Blackjack games at casinos. The only important thing is that you have a preset bankroll, and you choose a table that suits it. Always be on the lookout for the dealer’s card values, and pump in as much variation as you can. Keep these things in mind, and you are sure to start winning your hands soon.