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It is a common misconception that the goal of Blackjack players is get 21 or lower or bust. 21 is the maximum combination of cards that you are allowed in Blackjack; however, it is not your goal.
When you're playing this popular gambling card game, you are playing against the dealer and not the other players at your table. Therefore no bluffing is required and no reading other players' expressions and gestures. Your focus should be on the dealer only. The other players' cards don't matter.
So when you are playing Blackjack, your goal is to beat the dealer! Never mind if your cards don't total 21. The important thing is that your cards are higher than that of the dealer's.
To be able to do this, you must learn the trick of card counting. If you are fast enough, you can make a close assumption as to what cards are still left in the deck after all the players have been given their cards.
From here, you can tell whether hitting or standing is the best option for you, using your assumptions.
There are also other tricks of the game that you can put into practice. However, it is better to test the waters first so to speak, before applying any of the strategies that you will learn from Blackjack guides and other resources.
For instance, if you have a 16, there are ways to know if you should stand after considering all the angles. 16 is often a good number to stand - often but not all the time.
Learning the basic rules are of course a pre-requisite of the game. Understanding that you are not allowed to double down after you've taken a third card; or that you can take half of what you bet if you surrendered early on.
However, once you've taken your mind off the misconception that in order for you to win in Blackjack you have to get 21; and instead concentrate on beating the dealer; you are already on your way to mastering the game.
Remember though that it pays to put all the tips and strategies that you will learn about Blackjack to the test before actually using them in moneyed betting games. As there are numerous casino myths going around, there are too, numerous Blackjack myths that you have to know about. Blackjack myths don't work so don't bank on them.
Card counting is your best strategy yet when it comes to Blackjack so master that.