Blackjack is a casino card game played between players and the dealer. The goal of the game is to get a total card value of 21 or closer, without going over, than the dealer. Cards are ranked according to their index value, with aces counting as either 1 or 11, and face cards as 10. Suits do not matter.
The game is generally played on a semicircular table that can accommodate varying numbers of players, from five to 12. A dealer stands behind the table and chip rack. Players place their bets into the betting circle, and the dealer then deals two cards to each player. The dealer will also deal himself a card face up, and one card face down. The player then decides whether to hit (get another card) or stand (keep his current hand).
If a player has an ace and a picture card or ten-card, giving a count of 21 in the first two cards, this is called a natural or a blackjack. The player is paid one and a half times the amount of their bet if they have a natural and the dealer does not. The player may also choose to take insurance, which pays 2-1 if the dealer has an ace up and has not yet revealed his hole card.
After each player has decided to either stand or hit, the dealer reveals his cards and continues to draw additional cards until he has either stood or busted. The player then pays those who have a higher stake and wins the stakes of those who have a lower one.
In some casinos, the dealers are allowed to interact with players during the game, which can add to the enjoyment of the experience. However, this type of interaction can break a player’s concentration and distract them from making good decisions. In addition, it can be used to deceive players by suggesting that the dealer has a better chance of having a blackjack than he actually does.
Another trick some casinos use to lure unsophisticated players is to pay 6 to 5 on blackjacks instead of the traditional 3 to 2. This increases the house edge significantly and makes counting cards more difficult. Fortunately, this is not an issue at all of the best online blackjack sites. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to read the rules of each casino and game before playing to make sure that you are aware of all the rules and conditions of play. The Everything Blackjack Strategy Book: Surefire Ways to Beat the Dealer Every Time, by Tom Hagen and Sonia Weissman is a great place to start. This article was adapted from a piece originally published on www.BlackjackPlayerOnline.com. The author, John Scarne, is a regular contributor to the site. He is an experienced writer and gamer who has written articles on a variety of topics, including poker, sports, and business. He is also a prolific blogger and has contributed to several online publications.