Blackjack

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Blackjack is a popular casino card game that is also known as 21. The game is played with one or more decks of playing cards and involves players competing against the dealer rather than each other. The objective of the game is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's without exceeding 21.

History

The origins of Blackjack are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from various European card games such as the Spanish game Vingt-et-Un (Twenty-One) and the French game Chemin de Fer. The game gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century and has since become a staple in both land-based casinos and online casinos.

Rules

Blackjack is typically played with one to eight decks of 52 cards. Each card has a point value:

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points.
• The Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.

Gameplay

1. **Initial Deal**: Each player is dealt two cards, usually one face up and one face down. The dealer also receives two cards, typically one face up and one face down (the "hole card"). 2. **Player's Turn**: Players can choose to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (keep their current hand). Other options include "double down" (double the bet and receive one more card), "split" (if the first two cards are of the same value, they can be split into two separate hands), and "surrender" (forfeit half the bet and end the hand). 3. **Dealer's Turn**: Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals the hole card. The dealer must hit until their hand totals 17 or higher. If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players win.

Winning

A player wins if their hand value is closer to 21 than the dealer's without exceeding 21. A "Blackjack" is an Ace and a 10-point card, which typically pays out at 3:2 odds. If both the player and the dealer have the same hand value, it is a "push," and the player's bet is returned.

Strategy

Basic strategy in Blackjack involves making decisions based on the player's hand and the dealer's upcard. This strategy minimizes the house edge and can be memorized using strategy charts. Advanced players may use card counting techniques to gain an advantage, although this is often discouraged or prohibited in casinos.

Variants

There are several popular variants of Blackjack, including:

• Spanish 21
• Pontoon
• Double Exposure Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch

Popular Culture

Blackjack has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books. It is often depicted as a game of skill and strategy, with famous examples including the movie 21 and the book Bringing Down the House.

See Also

• Card counting
• Casino game
• Gambling
• Probability theory
• House edge