Blackjack is a popular casino game that revolves around beating the dealer. When playing blackjack, the goal is to have a higher hand value than the dealer without going over 21. If you achieve this, then you have beaten the dealer and win the game.
So, what does it mean to beat the dealer in blackjack? Let’s take a closer look.
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To understand how to beat the dealer, it’s important to first understand how blackjack works. In blackjack, each card has a point value.
Number cards are worth their face value, while face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10 points each. Aces can be worth either one or 11 points depending on which value would be more beneficial for your hand.
At the start of each round of blackjack, both you and the dealer are dealt two cards. Your cards are dealt face up while one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face down (known as the hole card). You then have the option to hit (receive another card), stand (keep your current hand), double down (double your bet and receive one more card), or split (if you have two identical cards).
The goal of blackjack is to have a hand value that is higher than the dealer’s without going over 21. If your hand exceeds 21, you lose automatically – this is known as ‘busting’. If both you and the dealer have hands that exceed 21, then you both bust and nobody wins.
If neither player busts, then whoever has the highest hand value wins. If your hand is higher than that of the dealer’s but not exceeding 21, then congratulations! You’ve beaten the dealer.
But what happens if both hands have equal values? This results in a ‘push’, meaning nobody wins or loses – you simply get your bet back.
So how can you increase your chances of beating the dealer? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
– Always assume that the dealer’s hole card is worth 10 points. This is because face cards and 10s make up a large portion of the deck, so it’s likely that the dealer’s hole card will be one of these.
– Never take insurance. Insurance is a side bet you can make when the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. It pays out 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack, but it’s not worth it in the long run as the odds are against you.
– Don’t be afraid to hit on a soft hand (a hand containing an ace). A soft 17 (an ace and a six) may seem like a decent hand, but statistically speaking, hitting will give you a better chance of winning.
– Always split aces and eights. This gives you two chances to improve your hand and potentially beat the dealer.
– Finally, learn basic strategy. Basic strategy is a set of rules that tell you when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your hand value and the dealer’s up card. Following basic strategy will give you the best chances of beating the dealer over time.
In conclusion, beating the dealer in blackjack means having a hand value higher than theirs without going over 21. To increase your chances of winning, always assume that the dealer’s hole card is worth 10 points, never take insurance, don’t be afraid to hit on a soft hand, always split aces and eights, and learn basic strategy. Good luck at the tables!
