Black Jack: Rules & Strategies

Black Jack is a game that is played by (usually) two players against the dealer. The values of the cards are as follows: the numbered cards (2-10) count for their face value; king, queen and jack are worth 10. Ace is valued at 11, but if this will cause the player to go lose, the count is reduced to 1.

The aim is to get a hand counting, or as close as possible, to 21. The game begins when the dealer hands each player two cards. If the player goes over 21 he loses ("busts") and pays the dealer. If the player's hand is closer to 21 than the dealer, the player wins. If the player's initial cards form a 21 (called a Black Jack or natural) the dealer pays him double.

The dealer usually draws last. One card is face up, the other face down (the "hole card"). If the dealer has a Black Jack all players lose, except those with a Black Jack too. In that case the player and dealer are tied ("push") and there is no winner. If player and dealer go bust the dealer wins (the house edge).

If the face up card of the dealer is an Ace he will offer insurance. An insurance is a provision in the game wherein the player can put up a wager half the amount he had originally placed. This is a protection against Black Jack, which he assumes the dealer has. It is of course possible that the dealer does not have a Black Hack and the player can still lose.

During Black Jack a player has several ways to try and augment his position. He may take another card ("hit"). If he feels that his hand is sufficient, or he might go bust if takes a hit, he will stand (not draw any more cards). The player also has the option of doubling down, that is, double the wager, take one more card and stand.

If the player has cards of the same value, he can opt for a split, whereby the wager is doubled and the card used as the first card in the next game.

These are the basic rules of the game. There are many variants of course, so before playing, examine the rules carefully so that you will know which Black jack strategies are applicable. There are some general tips that can be used, however.

If your hand has a pair of 8s a split would be a good choice. If you have a 16 take a hit, and when the cards total 17, stand. Having an 11 in hand is a good time to double down.

A word about card counting: the idea behind this strategy is that Black Jack tends to happen more in a deck filled with tens and Aces, and if the deck is full of small numbers, it will be more beneficial to the dealer. This Black Jack strategy has two drawbacks: first it is very difficult to keep track of the card count and the game at the same time, and second, if the dealer notices that you are card counting, he or she will either shuffle the deck or have you thrown out.

Unless you are well versed in the game, we do not advise the card count.

These Black Jack strategies are just the tip of the iceberg. By playing constantly, you will develop your own tactics and win money.