Blackjack is one of the most exciting table games on any casino floor. With simple rules, strategic approaches, and a speedy rate of play, it’s no wonder it has become a staple of the modern gaming experience. At WinStar World Casino & Resort, we’re proud to offer blackjack, among over 100 table games. We invite players of all skill levels to try their hand and we’re especially excited to help beginners learn the basics of blackjack. In this article, we’ll cover the foundations of how to play blackjack, including the rules and some strategies for winning. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to hit the blackjack tables with confidence.

 

 

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is a card game where players aim to get a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. Each card is worth its face value, with face cards (Jack, Queen, King) worth 10 and Aces worth either 1 or 11. The game is played with one or more decks of standard playing cards.

 

Rules of Blackjack:

The goal of blackjack is simple.  All one needs to do to win is have a higher hand value than the dealer, without going over 21. Players are dealt two cards and can then choose to “hit” (receive additional cards) or “stand” (keep their current hand). The dealer also receives two cards, but only one is face up.

If a player’s hand exceeds 21, they “bust” and lose the game. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. If neither the player nor the dealer busts, the player with the highest hand value wins.

 

How to Play Blackjack:

1. Place your bet: Before the cards are dealt, players must place a bet. The minimum and maximum bets are usually posted on the table.
2. Receive your cards: Once all bets have been placed, the dealer will deal two cards to each player, face up.
3. Decide to hit or stand: After receiving your two cards, you can choose to “hit” and receive additional cards or “stand” and keep your current hand.
4. Dealer’s turn: After all players have had their turn, the dealer will reveal their face-down card and hit or stand according to predetermined rules.
5. Determine the winner: If neither the player nor the dealer busts, the person with the highest hand value wins.

 

Blackjack Strategy:

While there is no guaranteed way to win at blackjack, there are some strategies that can increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips:

• Always assume the dealer’s face-down card is worth 10.
• When your hand value is 12-16, hit if the dealer’s face-up card is 7 or higher.
• When your hand value is 17 or higher, stand.
• Double down on 10 or 11 when the dealer’s face-up card is 9 or lower.
• Never split 10s, but always split aces and 8s.

 

What is a good hand in blackjack?

A good hand in blackjack is any hand with a value of 17 or higher. However, if the dealer has a face-up card of 7 or higher, you should aim for a hand value of 18 or higher.

 

When should you hit in blackjack?

You should hit in blackjack when your hand value is 11 or lower, or when your hand value is 12-16 and the dealer’s face-up card is 7 or higher.

 

When should you double down in blackjack?

You should double down in blackjack when your hand value is 10 or 11 and the dealer’s face-up card is 9 or lower.

 

Ready to Try Your Luck? Head to WinStar World Casino & Resort for the Ultimate Blackjack Experience!

Now that you’ve got an understanding for the essentials of how to play blackjack, it’s time to test your talents at the tables! At WinStar World Casino & Resort, we’re proud to offer our players some of the most exceptional blackjack experiences in Oklahoma. Our expert dealers are always excited to see new faces and are happy to assist anyone explore this game further. Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence you need to step up to the tables and start your next winning streak!