How to Beat the House Edge in Blackjack
Blackjack is a game of chance and skill. The basic premise is that you want to get your hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without going over. You compete against the dealer alone; other players at the table are of no concern to you. In addition to the standard rules, some casinos offer side bets that can greatly increase your winning chances.
Side bets are wagers placed on the outcome of a blackjack hand, such as betting on a player getting a pair of cards as their first two cards, betting that your hand will make a poker hand, betting that the dealer will bust and more. Some side bets require you to place a separate bet on top of your regular wager, while others can be made at the same time as your primary wager. Almost all of these bets have house edges, but there are ways to minimize them and turn the edge in your favor.
The game of blackjack has been played for centuries and continues to fascinate gamblers today. Whether you play in a casino or at home, this remarkable game requires strategy and knowledge to beat the house. If you follow these tips, you can maximize your chances of winning while enjoying the game.
Blackjack is played with one or more 52-card decks. Each card has a numerical value, from 1 for face cards to 10 for aces. The goal of the game is to accumulate a hand that totals close to 21, or even better, before the dealer does. The dealer is also dealt two cards and must hit or stand according to predetermined rules depending on the numerical value of his or her cards.
After all the players have acted on their hands, the dealer checks his or her hole card by looking at a window in the table. If the dealer has a ten underneath, they have a blackjack, and will pay all players their original wagers. If they do not, the dealers will sweep any insurance bets that were placed, and the game continues as normal.
Blackjack dealers work in shifts and are on duty at all times of the day, including evenings, weekends and holidays. This career is a good choice for people who prefer a flexible schedule and enjoy being around other people. Typical job duties include standing for long periods, using your hands and arms often, and being exposed to second hand tobacco smoke and fumes. Typically, a high school diploma is enough to begin a career as a blackjack dealer. The average wage is $14 an hour. This salary can rise to $15 an hour with experience and training.