Blackjack is a seemingly simple game, but which hides pitfalls in its simplicity. The rules of blackjack are so simple that it is easy to think that it is just a game of pure luck, but there are actually strategies (some not totally legal) and secrets that can make the difference between a winning player and a losing player.

To understand how to win at blackjack, you also need to know how this fascinating casino game works. Very often it is mistakenly believed that the purpose of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible.

In reality, the aim in a game of blackjack is to beat the dealer : in fact the first fundamental rule is to have a higher score than the dealer, represented by a dealer or a croupier, respecting the limit set at 21 points.

Scores in Blackjack

The value of the hand held by the participants is defined by the cards, usually two to eight decks of classic French cards also used for other popular games such as poker.

In online blackjack , as well as in live blackjack , the value of the cards reflects their denomination, so a 2 is worth 2 points, a 3 is worth 3 points and so on. The figures, so we are talking about Jack, Queen and King, are worth 10 points, while the ace is 1 or 11 depending on the other hand cards you have. Suits have no influence on the value of the hand.

It should be noted that the exit of a figure accompanied by an ace represents the automatic victory of the hand and an unbeatable point. Hitting a blackjack then has an additional bonus in the prize phase: compared to a 21 made up of several cards, commonly paid 1: 1, 21 totaled with only two cards (ace + face or 10) is paid 3: 2.

Possible actions in Blackjack

Given the scores, let’s now see how blackjack is played in practice.

The hand takes place with the dealer who distributes two cards to all the participants and then serves as many to himself with one that remains covered. At that point, based on their score, and the partial score obtained by the dealer, players can choose the most suitable strategy by calling one of the possible actions of blackjack.

• Call card : in this case an additional card will be assigned to the player in addition to those in his possession.
• Stand : with this command the player indicates to the dealer that he does not want more cards and that he is satisfied with his current score.
• Split : This action is possible when two identical cards are dealt. In this case the bet doubles and two different hands are played by being able to ask for cards and remain independently between the two bets.
• Double down : When the hand seems to be turning to a distinct advantage, the player can decide to try doubling down in blackjack by multiplying the stake on his play by x2. In this case only one more card will be drawn and then the score will be final.