Blackjack is the classic casino table game and it’s a great choice for players who want to learn how to play. Unlike other table games, which can be complicated and intimidating, blackjack is very easy to understand and can be played by almost anyone. Before you head to the gaming floor, though, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of blackjack. Our friendly dealers at Leelanau Sands are always ready to help you learn more about this popular game!
Whether you’re an experienced blackjack player or a novice, there are a few key concepts that will make your game more successful. For starters, it’s important to realize that the goal of blackjack is simple. You’re trying to beat the dealer’s hand total by getting a higher value than theirs without going over 21. In order to do this, you must hit when you have the chance, stand when your chances of improving are low, and split pairs if they’re worth doing so.
To start, the dealer deals two cards to each player and then takes one card facing up and one card facing down (the “hole card”). After all of the players have their hands, the dealer will draw until they have a total of 17 or more. If the dealer has a blackjack, they immediately pay the player one and a half times their bet. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, they collect the bets of all of the players who don’t have naturals.
Some casinos offer insurance on blackjack, which is a side bet that pays when the dealer has an ace showing. This is a bad idea, however, as the dealer has a blackjack less than one-third of the time. In addition, insurance bets increase the house edge and take money out of the players’ pockets.
Another mistake that many blackjack players make is failing to double down or split pairs when the situation calls for it. Novices will often stand when they should be hitting, and they will also hesitate to split a pair of 2s against a dealer’s 7 or to hit 16 against a dealer’s 4. This gives the house an advantage over the players because it forces them to play defensively, trying to avoid busting their hands instead of taking risks when the odds are in their favor.
The other common mistake is over-analyzing a hand before making a decision. This is especially true for novices, as they try to find a formula that will guarantee them victory every hand. This is an incorrect approach, as every hand in blackjack is different and should be played according to its own unique circumstances.
While it’s impossible to guarantee that you’ll win every hand, the more knowledge you have of the game’s rules and strategy, the better your chances are of beating the dealer. If you’re looking to learn more about blackjack, we recommend stopping by our table games! We have plenty of tables to choose from and our friendly dealers are happy to help you get started.