A Blackjack Strategy Can Bring Down the House Edge to Less Than 2%
Blackjack is a game of cards that has become one of the most popular casino games in the world. Its appeal lies in two main elements: simple rules that are easily grasped by anyone, and the fact that it is mathematically possible to bring down the house edge to less than 2% for players who follow a defined strategy for playing the game.
Blackjack can be played with two or more decks of cards and a dealer. The game is governed by standard rules that are generally accepted at all casinos. Each player starts the hand by placing a bet in the betting areas of the table. After all players have placed their bets, the dealer deals each player two cards face up. The player then decides whether to hit (request additional cards) or stand (keep the current value of the hand). The dealer also draws cards for his or her hand, and whoever has a higher total than the dealer wins. If both hands have the same value, it is a tie and the bets are returned to the players.
The dealer must draw cards until he or she has a total of 17 or more, or bust. Players may double their initial bet if the value of their starting cards is 9, 10 or 11. They must then stand after doubling, and if they do not bust they win. They can also surrender (abandon their hand before the dealer takes his or her turn) for a small profit of half their initial bet.
When a player has an Ace and a card worth 10 (or a picture card) in their first two cards, they have a “natural” blackjack and win the hand. If the dealer has a natural as well, they both lose. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, they pay all players who have a natural one and a half times their original bet.
While there are many secondary bets in blackjack that can increase a player’s payout, it is best to avoid them. Michael Shackleford, a gambling aficionado and mathematician who runs the Wizard of Odds website, says that these side bets are more likely to cost you money than they are to help you win. In addition, he advises against buying insurance. This is because, based on the odds, it is more likely that you will lose money by purchasing insurance than you will win by not buying it. Hence, it is wise to play without any insurance, and to always stick to the basic rules of blackjack. This will minimize your losses and maximize your winnings in the long run. It is also important to practice effective bankroll management, and to not bet more than a few percent of your total bankroll per session. This will prevent emotional decisions and financial strain if you are losing a large percentage of your hands. However, you should also be aware of the fact that luck plays a large role in any game, including blackjack.
