How to Play Blackjack: A Beginner’s Guide

Understanding the Basics of Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular card game found in nearly every casino, both online and offline. The objective is simple—get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. Each player competes against the dealer rather than each other. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10, and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11.

‍The Setup of the Game
‍A standard blackjack game uses one to eight decks of cards. Players are dealt two face-up cards, while the dealer gets one face-up card and one face-down. After the initial deal, players can choose to hit (take another card), stand (keep their current hand), double down (double their bet and take one more card), or split if they have a pair.

‍When to Hit or Stand
‍This is the core strategy of the game. Generally, you should hit when your hand totals 11 or less. If you have a hand between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s face-up card is 7 or higher, it’s typically better to hit. Learning when to hit or stand is essential to improve your odds of winning.

‍Dealer Rules and House Edge
‍The dealer must follow strict rules: they must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more. This can work in your favor if you understand the strategy. Basic strategy and card counting can reduce the house edge to under 1%.

‍Tips for New Players
‍Always start with smaller bets to understand the flow of the game. Avoid taking insurance bets, as they typically favor the house. Practice online for free before risking real money.