Blackjack is a card game that has always been popular among intellectuals, mathematicians and people who like to have a real chance of beating the house. Until recently, it was overshadowed by brawny, crowd-pleasing games like craps. But blackjack is making a comeback, thanks to its unique combination of strategy and math.
Unlike other casino games, blackjack has an element of player choice, which can reduce the house advantage to a small percentage. Players can choose to hit, stand or double down based on the value of their hand and the dealer’s visible card. The rules of blackjack are straightforward, and the game is easy to learn.
The game is played with a standard international deck of 52 cards that has been stripped of the Jokers. The game is traditionally played in a face-down setting, but some casinos have switched to a more open table design. Some tables even have a small window in the table that allows players to see their own cards. This is called the “dealer window” and is designed to deter card counters.