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Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, is one of the most popular casino card games around. Its combination of simple rules, fast gameplay, and low house edge (when using the right strategies) offers beginners an exciting table game with excellent odds. If you’re new to the blackjack table, this guide will teach you the ins and outs of how to play – and how to boost your odds of winning at Wunderwins online casino.

Blackjack Basics: How to Play

Blackjack is played with a standard 52-card deck between several players and a dealer. In a casino, players sit around a semicircular blackjack table that has designated betting areas for each seat.

The Goal

The goal is simple: get a higher card total than the dealer without “busting” over 21. You compete only against the dealer, not other players.

Card Values

• Number cards are worth their pip value (2 through 10)
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10
• Aces are worth either 1 or 11, whichever benefits your hand the most

Gameplay

Each player is dealt two cards face up, while the dealer gets one card face up and one face down. You can choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep your total and end your turn). If your card total exceeds 21, you bust and automatically lose.

Once all players have finished hitting or standing, the dealer reveals their face down card and draws hit until they reach at least 17. If the dealer busts, the remaining players win. If both you and the dealer do not bust, whoever has the highest value hand wins.

Blackjack Tips and Strategies

Now that you know the basics, let’s get into some key tips and strategies to boost your odds and beat the house:

Choose the Right Table

• Shoot for tables with favorable rules like dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, etc. This gives the house a lower edge.
• Lower-limit tables are better for beginners to avoid losing too much while you’re learning. The gameplay fundamentals stay the same.

Use Basic Strategy

Basic blackjack strategy guides you on statistically the best decision to make for each hand scenario. Print out a basic strategy chart and refer to it when playing. This alone can trim the house edge down by half or more.

Practice Card Counting

Card counting involves tracking the high and low cards played to predict when the shoe favors players or dealers. It takes dedication but can give you a winning edge when mastered:

Steps to Count Cards

1. Assign values to each card as it’s dealt: low cards +1, mid-cards 0, high cards -1
2. Keep a “running count” of the totals in your head
3. Convert the running count into a “true count” to assess if the remaining deck favors you

Know When to Walk Away

Have a win goal and loss limit before sitting down. If you’re having an unlucky streak, call it quits before chasing losses. Protecting your bankroll is vital.

By following these tips and practicing, a beginner can go from negative odds to beating the house. Now that you know the key rules, strategies, and objectives, you’re ready to hit the tables and play like a pro. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Blackjack Questions

How much should a beginner bet?

Bankroll Size	Beginner Bet Size
$100	$5
$500	$10-25
$1,000+	$25-50

Bet just 1-5% of your total bankroll while learning to protect your money.

Is card counting illegal?

No, card counting simply uses mental strategies and math skills to track the odds. It doesn’t use devices or external helpers. However, high variance slots can still ban skilled players.

What’s the best type of blackjack?

Single or double-deck blackjack gives skilled players better odds over multi-deck shoes. Fewer cards also make counting easier to master.