Blackjack is a game of both skill and chance that pits players against a dealer. Each player receives two cards face up, with the dealer receiving one face down card; suit does not matter; numerical values only do; spades count for four points, hearts for three points, diamonds 10, and an ace can either count one or eleven; thus the objective of the game is to beat the dealer either by getting Blackjack (first two cards totalling 21 without exceeding 21) without them getting it first, or by simply not busting while they exceed 21; or by simply not busting while their dealer exceeds 21 by not exceeding 21 themselves.

At first, it’s essential that you decide whether or not to hit with your hand. Doubling up may be wise if your hand contains an ace and 10 or higher; however, when playing against a dealer who appears likely to bust (for example with 16 cards and an up card that could force him or her into busting) hitting is usually better as almost 80% of time the dealer will probably make 17 or more through hitting.

Review the cards the dealer holds and consider taking out insurance, which pays out 2-1 of your original bet if he or she has blackjack. Taking this step may be especially useful if the dealer shows six, five, or four cards since these are more likely to bust out and thus you could get your original bet back as profit.

When playing 12 to 16-card hands against dealers holding cards 2, 3, or 4, splitting can often be the better strategy. Otherwise, standing against any card 7 or higher would usually be wise, except when holding 16. When dealing with dealers holding an Ace (the odds of them having blackjack being high and giving you twice your initial bet back!) insurance should always be taken as this increases your chance of success and pays out twice what was initially bet!