Rules and basic play
Blackjack is played against the dealer, with the goal of reaching 21 or close without busting. Card values are straightforward, numbered cards equal their face values, face cards count as ten, and aces count as one or eleven. Most casinos pay three to two on natural blackjacks, while many rules govern dealer actions on soft totals.
Common actions include hit, stand, double down, and split, each chosen based on hand quality and table rules. Knowing when to split pairs or double down can significantly affect your expected return. Table variations, like dealer standing on soft seventeen, change optimal decisions and edge calculations.
Basic strategy guide
To start, rely on basic strategy charts that map optimal moves by your hand and the dealer's upcard. This disciplined framework minimizes the house edge and keeps decisions consistent across sessions. Avoid ad hoc bets and learn to pause before each action to follow the chart.
For hard totals, stand on 12 through 16 versus low upcards, and hit against stronger ones. Soft hands require different logic, often favoring double down on strong soft totals. Certain rule sets adjust when doubling or splitting, so consult the table before playing.
Odds and edge explained
The overall odds favor the house, but proper strategy can reduce the edge to about one percent. Payout differences, deck penetration, and whether the dealer hits soft seventeen shape your math. Applying basic strategy consistently yields more favorable results than relying on hunches.
Bankroll discipline matters; set loss and win limits for each session and respect them. Chasing losses undermines control, so take breaks and reassess from a calmer vantage. Card counting is not practical in typical casinos and may lead to bans, so focus on strategy.