Bruce Dias 
Some people like the idea of playing card games, but they don’t gamble as they don’t know the rules. Luckily, after reading this article and understanding the basics for beginners, you can use some tips to get started playing blackjack.
The Goal of the Game: What You’re Trying to Do
Blackjack is a card game where you have to beat the dealer without going over 21. Experts from Tiki taka casino explain that it’s not necessary to reach 21 every time but to have a hand with more points than the dealer.
You lose when your total exceeds 21, which is called busting. You win when your total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s or when the dealer busts. You’re playing against the dealer, not other players at the table.
Understanding the Cards: What They’re Worth
Every card in blackjack has a certain value. Thus, you have to collect them to receive 21 or close to this number. These are the values:
- Number cards from 2 to 10 have the same value as their number.
- Jack, Queen, and King are worth 10 points each.
- The Ace is special because it can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on what benefits your hand.
A hand with an Ace counted as 11 without busting is called a soft hand. You should also understand what actions you can take during the game to collect these values.
Basic Gameplay: Your Turn and Your Choices
A round starts when the dealer gives two cards to each player and two to themselves, with one dealer card face-up. You then decide how to act based on your hand and the dealer’s visible card.
Here’s what you can do while you play blackjack at Tiki taka casino or similar sites:
- Hit. Take another card to improve your total, usually when your score is low.
- Stand. Keep your current hand when you think it’s strong enough to win.
- Double down. Double your bet in exchange for receiving one more card, often with a starting total of 11.
- Split. Divide a pair into two separate hands and play them individually, often with pairs like two eights.
Making the right choice in each situation can decide the outcome of your game. You also have to think long-term, as you can take a certain card and bust.
Common Mistakes and Simple Strategy
Many beginners lose because they ignore basic rules. Small changes can improve your results without advanced skills.
Here’s a table with simple rules you should remember:
| Rule | Description |
| Hit on 16 or less | Increase your total when the risk of busting is low. This often applies when the dealer shows a strong card. |
| Always split Aces and 8s | Splitting these gives you better chances of building strong hands from weak starting points. |
| Never hit on a hard 17 or higher | The chance of busting is too high, so you should stand instead. |
Follow these basic rules, as they help prevent common beginner mistakes. Blackjack is truly simple, but you can practice in demo mode. Sites like Tiki taka have RNG-based card games (without dealers) where you can activate a demo (free) mode.
