Blackjack is a casino game in which players compete against the dealer to make the best hand. To do so, they place bets in the betting areas on the table and are dealt two cards each while the dealer receives one card face down and one up. They can then choose to hit (ask for an additional card) or stand. If their first two cards add up to 21 or higher, they win and the dealer loses.
There are many misconceptions about blackjack that may lead to players making bad decisions. These mistakes can result in costly losses for the player. Some of these misperceptions include:
1. Dealers always beat the player.
Some players mistakenly believe that the dealer always wins when playing blackjack. This myth is untrue for several reasons. First, the player should understand that blackjack is a game of math and statistics. While some decisions may seem to be based on luck, there is a right and wrong answer for every move. Second, the dealer only has a 2% edge in the game, which is not enough to make a significant difference to the player’s bankroll.
2. The dealer takes a peek at the hidden card.
Many players incorrectly assume that the dealer must take a look at his hole card before dealing out the hand, but this is not true. A dealer takes a quick glance at his hole card because he wants to make sure that it is not a large stiff (a number greater than 7) or, even more likely, a face card. The dealer is more likely to spend time looking at a face card because it is easier for him to spot than a number card and he can make this decision very quickly.
3. Splitting pairs is a good strategy.
Some blackjack rules allow players to split pairs of cards if they have the same number. This is a good blackjack strategy if the pair of cards contains aces or 10s. However, if the pair of cards contain any other numbers, it is usually better to stay on the hand than hit it. In addition, the player should never split 10s or 5s and should only split against a dealer up card of 2 through 7 in most situations.
4. If a player has a blackjack and the dealer doesn’t, they push.
A player can have a blackjack by getting a total of 21 in their first two cards (an ace and a card valued at 10). If the dealer also has a blackjack, they will immediately pay the player 1 and half times the player’s bet, which is known as a push.
Some casinos will reduce the 3 to 2 payout on blackjacks and this will dramatically increase the house edge for players. This is a big reason why some players avoid playing blackjack at certain casinos. They will prefer to play other casino games where the 3 to 2 payout is still in place.
