There are two basic ways to play blackjack: with a single deck, which is also known as single-zero, or with a double deck, which is also known as Deuce-Seven. In either case, the player is dealt two cards face down and then must decide whether to stand (keep the original cards) or take another card. If the player takes another card, he or she then must choose between hitting or doubling. If the player hits, he or she collects the face value of the original two cards and another card is turned over, adding one more to the player’s hand.
If the player doubles, he or she collects both cards and another card is turned over, doubling the bet amount. If the player doesn’t hit or double, he or she loses the bet.
There are several ways to improve one’s chances of getting a pair in blackjack: playing at a casino that offers higher-paying tables (e.g., those that offer $25 per hand instead of $10), playing with more experienced players, betting more money when possible (i.e., putting more money on each round of betting), sitting in front of an Ace-ten table (a favorable table), and playing conservatively (i.e.
, not taking risks). The odds of getting a pair in blackjack vary depending on the particular casino and table but are generally considered to be about 1 in 17 million.
