Things You'll Need:
- Basic Strategy
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Step 1
Know the object of blackjack. The object of the game is to beat the dealer, this does not always mean getting as close to 21 as you can, there are rules that any serious player will want to follow when deciding to Hit, Stand, Split, Double Down, or Surrender. The most basic rule to remember is that you do not want to go over 21, commonly refered to as "busting". With Blackjack you are not playing against the other people at the table, you are playing against the dealer, everyone at the table is in essance playing together against the dealer.
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Step 2
Know how to talk to the dealer. The following phrases are of great importance when playing blackjack. Remeber them.
Hit - To take another card in order to better your chances of winning and thus getting closer to 21
Stand - To stay with the cards that you have
Split - You may split any two identical cards, i.e. 10 10 or Jack Jack
Double Down - Double your bet and take one card, you may not hit again after doubling down and receiving a single card.
Surrender - Some tables will allow you to surrender your bet after the initial cards are delt, to surrender means the dealer takes your cards and half of you bet, you keep the other half. -
Step 3
Get a blackjack basic strategy card. These cards are legal to use at the table and available in pretty much every gift shop in the casino. The card tells you exactly what you should do to maintain the best odds at beating the house. Below is an example of a blackjack strategy card.
Dealer's Hand is on top
Player's Hand on left side.
Hard Totals
----2- 3-4-5- 6- 7-8-9- T- A
8--H H H H H H H H H H
9--H D D D D H H H H H
10-D D D D D D D D H H
11-D D D D D D D D D H
12-H H S S S H H H H H
13-S S S S S H H H H H
14-S S S S S H H H H H
15-S S S S S H H H H H
16-S S S S S H H H H H
17-S S S S S S S S S S
18-S S S S S S S S S S
19-S S S S S S S S S S
20-S S S S S S S S S S
H= Hit S= Stay D= Double Down -
Step 4
Sit down and play blackjack. You will be dealt 2 cards at the beginning of every hand. Depending on what the dealer has you will want to increase your hand accordingly without going over 21. If you forget what to do in a certain situation feel free to reference your basic strategy card.
