In blackjack, the player is dealt two cards face down, and must choose either to stand or to hit. If the player hits, they are given another card and their hand is considered complete.
If the player stands, they are given another card and their hand is considered complete with a total value of 21. The dealer also receives a second card and their hand is considered complete with a total value of 10.
The dealer then calculates the blackjack table’s house edge by subtracting the dealer’s two-card total from the player’s two-card total. The house edge can be anywhere from 0% to 18%.
For example, if the player has a two-card total of 10 and the dealer has a two-card total of 8, then the house edge is 2%.
The player then decides whether to fold or stand based on their house edge. If the player’s house edge is greater than the dealer’s (for instance, if the player has a two-card total of 17 and the dealer has a two-card total of 9), then the player should fold.
If the player’s house edge is less than the dealer’s (for instance, if the player has a two-card total of 2 and the dealer has a two-card total of 11), then the player should stand.
