Blackjack is a casino game in which players compete against the dealer. The objective is to draw cards with a total value as close to 21 as possible without going over (busting). There are several strategies that can help you win.
One of these strategies is known as Insurance. This side bet increases the payout for a winning hand but it is not recommended to make this bet.
Game rules
Blackjack is a card game in which players compete against the dealer. Each player and the dealer receive two cards. Cards from 2 through 10 have their face value, while Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points. If the player’s hand value is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, the player wins.
A player may place a side wager in addition to the main wager on blackjack. Generally, the total of all side bets should not exceed the blackjack wager. Some games allow a player to resplit aces, which reduces the house edge by about 0.13%.
Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott, known as the Four Horsemen of Aberdeen, developed the first reasonably accurate basic playing strategy for blackjack using hand calculators. Their work was published in 1956.
Basic strategy
Blackjack is a game of skill, and knowing basic strategy can help players improve their chances of winning. While basic strategy is not 100% perfect, it’s still a great way to play the game. Using it can reduce the house edge by 0.1% or 0.2%, which is a significant reduction.
The suggested moves in blackjack basic strategy are based on the value of the player’s hand and the dealer’s up card. The game also allows players to split pairs like two nines, threes, sevens, and sixes.
However, it can be difficult to memorize the correct decisions for each hand in different situations. One way to make it easier is to use a blank basic strategy chart and fill in the correct decisions. This will help you to retain the information better.
Side bets
Blackjack side bets are a way to add excitement and variety to the game. These bets are placed before the cards are dealt and can pay out big payouts, but they also carry a higher risk than standard blackjack.
The most common side bets include 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Insurance. Each of these wagers is independent of the player’s main bet, and they are based on anticipating which cards the dealer will receive.
Some side bets can even offer a higher payout than standard blackjack, with some paying out up to 5,000:1. However, many players avoid these bets as they are often based on luck and cannot be used with card counting strategy. In addition, they can have high house edges. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any side bets that don’t have a low probability of winning.
Double down
Doubling down in blackjack is an exciting and profitable move, but it can be tricky to get right. Knowing when to double down and how to signal this to the dealer is key to making this strategy work.
The first rule is never to double down when the dealer has an ace up. This is a pretty obvious point, but it’s one that many players overlook in the heat of the moment.
When you’re ready to double down, push a stack of casino chips next to your original bet for the hand. Be sure not to put the additional chips on top of the initial bet, as this is considered by croupiers to be a sign that you’re trying to cheat. Instead, point with your finger to signal that you want to double down.