Blackjack Strategy

Where Do Blackjack Dealers Go to Get Trained?

Blackjack. One word says it all. This game is widely considered the most popular strategy-based casino card game. Blackjack, or 21, is based on a simple premise. The player is tasked with beating the dealer’s hand total without exceeding 21. An Ace +10-value card equals blackjack, or a natural, but any combination of more than 2 cards which totals 21 is simply called 21, not blackjack, and different payouts result.

Introduction to Blackjack Insurance

Blackjack insurance is a side bet available to blackjack players. It provides ‘insurance’ to players who believe that the Dealer has blackjack. Blackjack insurance typically pays 2:1. Let's rewind for a second and explain why you may want to consider blackjack insurance as an optional bet. 

The player is always first to act in blackjack and that is why it is a hard decision when to hit or stand in blackjack. Think about this for a second. The player must always risk drawing additional cards or standing on a hand total before the dealer is required to act.

Let's say you're dealt a Jack of diamonds and a 6 of hearts. That's a hand total of 16 and a pretty good hand at that. If the dealer’s upcard is a 10, should you risk drawing a card greater than 5? Or, should you simply stand on 16? It's an important decision that you're about to make.

For blackjack starters, you don't have to compete against other players for blackjack payouts. It's you against the dealer, in single-hand blackjack games, or multi-hand blackjack games.

As a newcomer to the blackjack scene, you may be surprised to learn that you don't need to form a hand value of 21, or even blackjack to win a game. The only thing that is required is a hand value that beats the dealer's hand, without exceeding 21. That being said, let's get down to the business of blackjack payouts. 

Blackjack insurance is a side bet available to players when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. In this scenario, players are presented with an interesting proposition: if you take the additional insurance bet, you can protect yourself in the event that the dealer’s hole card is a 10-value card a.k.a, the dealer has a blackjack. The insurance bet is offered at 50% of your original bet, and it pays 2:1.

Pretty much everyone understands that 21 is the magic number in blackjack. But what about individual cards? Is 10 + Ace the equivalent of King + Ace? What about a multi-card 21 like 7 + 4 + King? How do these combinations stack up? We will unravel the mysteries of blackjack card values by taking on concepts such as Hard Hands, Soft Hands and winning hand totals. Sit back, relax, and enjoy expert insights into blackjack card values.

Blackjack, or 21 as it is endearingly known, is an exciting skill-based casino card game which pits players against dealers in a battle royale for the highest-ranking hand. The objective is to simply beat the dealer's hand total without busting. 

Blackjack statistics are good for anyone who has ever played Blackjack, and understands the range of emotions that accompany every play. When you’re dealt a strong opening hand, you smile inwardly knowing that the Blackjack gods are on your side.

Blackjack typically pays 3:2 on player-friendly tables, but sometimes has odds of 6:5. Most of the time, it's about cobbling together a strong hand by hitting, splitting, doubling down, or possibly even taking insurance to beat the dealer.