BLACKJACK: Rules and Strategies

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in today’s time.
RULES:
Your basic aim in the game is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer. Blackjack is an open game, so it’s not a problem if the dealer or other players see your cards. The cards are valued as follows: the number cards have their face value, the face cards are valued at 10, and an ace is valued at either 1 or 11, whichever makes the best hand.
THE DEAL
Starting from his left, the dealer makes two passes around the table so that each player and the dealer have 2 cards each. The dealer then reveals one of his cards. In a shoe game, the cards are dealt face up, where as in a hand-held game, the cards are dealt face-down.
HOW THE DEALER PLAYS HIS HAND
Two popular rules are followed:
1.  Dealer stands on all 17s: The dealer hits till his total is 17 or higher. An ace is counted as 11 whenever possible.
2. Dealer hits soft 17: In case of a soft 17 (when an ace is treated as 11), the dealer hits. Dealer stands on soft 18 or higher, or on hard 17.
A BLACKJACK
A blackjack (natural) is a total of 21 in the first two cards. This is possible with an ace and a card with a value of 10. If a player has a blackjack (and the dealer doesn’t have one), then the player is given winnings in the 3:2 ratio.
PLAYER OPTIONS

1. Surrender
   This offers a player to fold his hand. Variations are early surrender, in which a player may surrender before the dealer checks his hand for a blackjack. In late surrender, a player cannot surrender if the dealer has a blackjack.
2. Hit/Stand
   Hit means to have another card drawn, and stand means stopping at the current total. There are various hand gestures for these so that there is no ambiguity.
3. Doubling Down
   By utilising this option, a player can double his bet, and receive one (and only one) additional card. Holding a total of 11 is the best opportunity for doubling. A player can double down for any amount up to the original bet.
4. Splitting Pairs
   When a player is dealt with a pair of matching cards, he can split the hand into two, and play both independently. A bet matching the original bet is placed beside it. ‘Resplit’ or ‘Double after Split’ may be allowed depending upon the house rules.
5. Insurance
   If the dealer has an ace as his upcard, the players are offered insurance. They may place bets upto half of their original bets, and if the dealer ends up having a blackjack, they are given winnings in the 2:1 ratio (splitting even). But if the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, the insurance bets are lost and the players have to play the entire hand.

STRATEGIES:
A basic blackjack strategy chart can be found which shows exactly when it is feasible to hit and when it is beneficial to stand. This chart is based on logical permutations and probability, so it’s best for beginners to memorize and follow it. Advanced strategies can be formulated as a player grows in stature.

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