How to Play Blackjack - Process Analysis Essay Sample

How to Play Blackjack

When it comes to the objective of the blackjack game, many misconceptions have been made; however, no matter the level, the main aim of playing the game is to ‘beat the dealer’. The practical procedure for counting the cards in a blackjack that helps to gain an advantage over a casino was publicized by the early 1960s. Blackjack only takes the shortest time possible to learn; as a matter of fact, if enough practice is put into it, one could master this game and attain its main objective easily. Surprisingly, a bit of advice from “shoddy gambling” in casinos suggests that one must get as close as possible to the 21 score and never pass it. Playing blackjack helps one grow intellectually and it enhances creativity because the player has to think of ways to beat the dealer at all times. When playing the blackjack game, one has to have the ability to execute decisions immediately which makes it essential for the player to have the game skills and be able to utilize proper strategies. As these skills advance, an individual improves as a player and may utilize the strategies and knowledge gained to play blackjack professionally. Therefore, this paper will describe how to play blackjack by first of all learning the rules of the game, sticking to a basic strategy and making appropriate decisions.

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There are several different rule variations as well as conditions which could influence how a blackjack game is played. This means that every blackjack game is different and cannot be termed as equal; this mainly depends on the odds or favorability to a player. As the game begins, one to eight 52 decks of cards have to be present; furthermore, the aces could be graded from one to eleven points while cards 2 to 9 are graded depending on the pip value and lastly the tens as well as the face cards hold ten points. After a player places a bet, the dealer provides two cards to every player including himself; here, one card belonging to a dealer is dealt while face up and the one facing down is termed as the ‘hole card’. In case the dealer has a visible ace, he offers the side bet (insurance) that pays two to one if a dealer’s hole card falls within the 10-point card category. The game starts with a player positioned to the left side of the dealer and stand, hit, double, split and surrender are some of the choices offered to the player. One every player plays his turn, the dealer’s hole card is turned and it is 16 points or less, he draws another card. However, if the dealer has above 21 points, any player that did not bust will win; if the dealer fails to bust, the higher point in total between a dealer and player will win. Usually, the winning wager pays more money with the exemption of the winning blackjack player that normally pays 3 to 2.

Blackjack strategy

The most significant aspect to learn while playing the game of blackjack is the basic strategy. The blackjack winning tactics need the player to play each hand optimally; this considers the content of a dealer’s up card. If the dealer’s up card falls between 7 to 10 or ace, the player does not need to stop drawing till the 17 point total is reached. On the other hand, if a dealer’s up-card falls within 1 to 6, a player has to stop drawing immediately after getting a 12 point total or higher. Here, the strategy is to never take a card in case there is an opportunity to go bust; a poor holding is meant for the dealer to hit 21 or go over it. Lastly, when the up-card of the dealer is fair (2 or 3), a player has to stop with a 13 point total or higher. If it is a soft hand, the common strategy is continuous hitting till an 18 point total is reached; this means that if a player has the ace and the six (7-17), he should not stop once he reaches the 17 point mark. Furthermore, doubling down has a basic strategy whereby if the player has an 11 point total he must always double down; but, with a 10 point total, one has to double down unless a dealer reveals an ace or the ten-cared. When it comes to splitting, a player must always split the pair of 8s or aces; identical ten-cards must not be split, neither should the pair of 5s (two 5s total to 10) because they are more effective when doubling down. Overall, 2s, 3s and 7s may be split unless a dealer possesses an 8, 9, ace or ten-card; 6s cannot be split unless a dealer has a poor car (2-6).

When it comes to blackjack, a player must know when to make the right decision at the most convenient time because it determines whether you win or lose. For instance, if a dealer’s up-card is the ace, one may decide to take ‘insurance’ which is the bet that the dealer possesses the 10-card in the down-card to finish the blackjack. Insurance can be taken for up to half an original bet, which pays a 2-1 in case a dealer has the blackjack. Most dealers advice players to take the ‘insurance’ if they possess the blackjack. Not all blackjack games are the same. Therefore, a player must be able to make fast decisions while playing the game while applying the rule variations required. Once the cards are dealt, a game continues whereby every player takes action from the dealer’s left side. Here, the player has to decide if he/she wants to gain an advantage of side rules; these can only be used once and only if one’s turn to deal reaches. A player can then take a stand or attain more cards until he/she decides that his/her hand is stable enough to challenge the dealer’s stand or hand (must be over 21 points or the player loses.

In conclusion, blackjack only takes the shortest time possible to learn. As a matter of fact, if enough practice is put into it, one could master this game and attain its main objective easily. Many blackjack players target to play to their advantage so that they can win by utilizing their skills like observation, computation and memory; these techniques are influential enough to offer a player the long-term edge while playing the game, this makes them a threat to the casino dealers. It is important to note that learning how to play the game of blackjack may help to earn money and develop intellectual skills that may assist in daily life activities.