When playing Blackjack, you should pay attention to your first two cards. These two must equal an ace and a ten-card to give a count of 21. If you hit this, you get one and a half times your original bet. If you fail to hit this, you lose all your chips.

Basic strategy

If you are new to blackjack, it can be helpful to learn about the basics of blackjack strategy. In order to become a good blackjack player, you must have a solid understanding of the basic card combinations and the different betting systems. There are several resources online and in print that will help you learn the basics.

Double down

In blackjack, doubling down is a move that will increase your chances of winning. This strategy involves pushing chips equal to your initial bet next to your current wager. You should be careful when doing this, as it can be seen as tampering with your bet. It’s recommended to double down only if you are showing an 11 or higher.

Player losing ties

In blackjack, player losing ties can be just as devastating as a low blackjack pay out. This common problem occurs nearly eight percent of the time and can significantly increase a player’s loss. It can occur even if the dealer is showing both cards face up and the player has a full hand. In this scenario, the house is more likely to land a higher total than the player.

Insurance bets

Insurance bets on blackjack can be profitable, but they can also put a player at a disadvantage. The odds of winning against the dealer are one in three, so players should not double down on insurance bets unless they’re already in a strong position. The payouts on these bets are usually higher than those of a winning hand. Before placing an insurance bet, it is best to learn how to calculate blackjack odds and decide for yourself if they’re worth the risk.

Card counting

Card counting is a math-based strategy used to beat the house in blackjack. It involves keeping track of how many low cards and high cards are dealt out at a time. This can help you make better decisions and reduce your losses. However, it does require time and practice. Many sources estimate it takes at least 100 hours to master the strategy.

Surrendering

Blackjack surrendering is a strategy in which you surrender a hand when you have a weak hand. While it is not legal in every game, it is common in casinos. The law of probability and most blackjack strategies recommend it in certain scenarios. Generally, surrendering is recommended when you have an opening hand of 15 or less and the dealer has a face-up card. This means that he is more likely to have a strong hand than you.