In blackjack, the highest hand you can get is a Blackjack. A blackjack is a hand in which the player’s total cards, excluding the dealer’s, is 21. The dealer cannot beat this hand. It is also known as a Natural or “Blackjack.” If your hand is a Blackjack, you win! When your hand is a Blackjack, you receive your bet back. In Blackjack, you can also stand when you are down to two cards. There are 2 reasons to stand: to keep your bet in the game or to receive your bet back in a push.
Basic strategy
If you want to win at blackjack, you should first learn the basics of the game. You should learn where the dealer’s cards and your total are, and where the point of intersection is. If the dealer’s card is of a lower value than your total, you should stand.
Side bets
Blackjack is one of the easiest casino games to learn and play, but side bets add another level of complexity. These bets are typically low-risk and have lower odds of winning than a standard hand. However, casinos profit from them because they allow players to take on a greater amount of risk.
Doubling after splitting
Doubling after splitting is an optional strategy that can improve your chances of winning a hand, but it comes with lower expected value than going straight. Doubling after splitting is best used when your initial two cards are not higher than a pair. This strategy is not recommended by Basic Strategy.
Insurance
Blackjack insurance is a type of side bet that pays 2:1 on Blackjack. It is a strategy that many blackjack players use to guarantee a positive return. Insurance can increase your winnings when the dealer’s hand is weak or when your hand is strong. However, it is not always the best idea to take this option.
Bonus payouts
Blackjack bonus payouts have changed dramatically in recent years. They used to be 3 to 2 or even one to two, but now you can earn six to five times your wager. This can add up over time.