Blackjack is a game in which a player can use the rules of probability to his advantage. A knowledgeable and disciplined player can reduce the casino’s edge by increasing his bet in favorable situations and making decisions based on information he gathers as he plays. Blackjack is played on a semicircular table with seats for varying numbers of players, usually seven (“spots”) but sometimes as many as 12. The dealer stands behind the table and chip rack.
Players are dealt two cards each, and may choose to “hit” their hand as many times as they wish in order to build a total closer to 21 than the dealer’s. In addition to a standard bet, some games offer side bets. The rules of a blackjack game are set by the casino and vary by location, but most allow players to make a side wager only after placing their main bet. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player loses his original bet; however, the side bet wins at a payout of 2 to 1.
When players have more than one hand, they can split them by putting additional chips on the table for each new hand. In some cases, a player may be allowed to split up to three hands, but he must place an equal amount of money on each hand. Once all of the hands have been played, the dealer collects and shuffles the cards, and a new round begins.
Some blackjack tables also feature a special bet called insurance. This bet pays out if the dealer has an ace up and the player has a blackjack. The insurance bet is typically half the player’s original bet, and pays out 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This bet is not recommended for most players, as it greatly decreases the odds of winning a blackjack.
Effective bankroll management is an essential element of any blackjack strategy. Players should establish a bankroll for their sessions and predetermine the amount they are willing to risk per hand. This will help prevent them from making emotional decisions that can lead to financial strain. It is generally recommended that players bet no more than about one to two percent of their total bankroll per hand, to minimize risk.
Some blackjack players learn to count cards and improve their odds by hitting only when they have a good penetration, which means that the dealer has a high percentage of making 17 or better with his up card. This is a sound strategy, but it takes a lot of practice to master, and requires dedication to learning the game well. Those interested in this approach should read books like Stanford Wong’s Professional Blackjack and Don Schlesinger’s Blackjack Attack. They should also seek advice from more experienced players in their area. Many casinos also host blackjack seminars.