Blackjack is a card game where the objective is to beat the dealer. In other words, you must draw a hand that is worth more than 21. This game is fun and easy to learn. Basic strategy includes knowing the rules of the game and how to place side bets. You can also read more about the House edge and Surrendering.

Basic strategy

Basic blackjack strategy is a game-planning system that is proven to increase payouts and reduce losses. This strategy comes in the form of strategy charts and was developed by four mathematicians in the 1950s. The mathematicians were able to develop mathematical simulations of millions of hands and came up with an algorithm that reduced the house edge to less than 0.5%. Because of its mathematically-validated results, players trust basic strategy to beat the house.

Side bets

While the house edge on Blackjack is high, there are several side bets you can make to reduce it. One side bet is the perfect pairs side bet, which pays out if the first two cards dealt by the dealer are pairs. This side bet requires that the value of both pairs be less than the original Blackjack wager per box. You can place this bet in conjunction with your original wager or separately.

House edge

The house edge of blackjack is the percentage that the house has an advantage over the player. This percentage is not exact, but it’s a good starting point for evaluating blackjack wagers. It’s usually between 0.5 percent and one percent. This percentage makes blackjack a profitable game over time, especially if you play for long periods of time. In fact, the longest game of blackjack ever recorded in the Guinness World Records book lasted 51 hours and 33 minutes. It was played by Stephen De Raffaele, who was the croupier during the entire game. He still holds the record today.

Surrendering

Surrendering is a game strategy in blackjack that involves giving up half of your initial bet in exchange for a second chance to win. Surrendering is often a good option for players with a weak starting hand and strong upcards from the dealer.

Insurance

Blackjack insurance is a type of side bet that you can place when you have a blackjack. The insurance bet is half of your original bet and pays odds of 2 to 1. This type of bet is a good idea for players who understand basic blackjack strategy and how to use card-counting to their advantage. In addition to boosting your odds, you can also make a profit by betting on the dealer’s second card.

Counting cards

Counting cards in blackjack is a mathematical strategy that players can use to gain an edge against the dealer. It involves keeping a running tally of the cards in a deck of 52. The card counter can increase their bets when they have an advantage and decrease their bets when they lose. They are also able to avoid making any bets at all when the dealer makes a good hand.