What is Blackjack?

Also known as 21, Blackjack is the most popular casino backed game on the planet. The popular blackjack game is played with at least 1 normal deck of playing cards (containing 52 cards). Often the game utilizes numerous decks of cards that are contained in what is known as a shoe. The shoe is where the dealer houses all the shuffled cards so they can easily distribute the cards to those taking part in the game.

The objective of blackjack is simply to beat the dealer. More accurately, blackjack players try to come closer to 21 than that of the dealer‘s hand, without exceeding 21, which is known as busting.

More specifically diving into the general blackjack rules, all players and the dealer each receive two cards. For the players, the cards are dealt face up, while the dealer receives one card facing upwards and one that faces down. Any player who has a card count that is less than 21 may choose to hit or stand. If they choose to hit, then they are requesting additional cards (one at a time). The players may continue hitting until they reach 21, are satisfied with their hand count, or they bust. Players are free to play their hand as they see fit, but the dealers are forced to play by set rules. Often, the dealer may not hit if their hand totals 17 or more.

While the general blackjack rules are similar for most blackjack games, each casino typically has their own special set of house rules. These rules slightly affect how the game is played, as well as the edge that the house has over the players. Such variations in rules may address the number of decks that are in play, the payout for getting blackjack (21 on the deal), or even when a player may double down. Players are sometimes able to reduce the edge the house has over them by implementing tactics such as card counting or using various betting systems, or even subscribing to some of the optimal blackjack tactics and strategies that are designed to help players play the game optimally.