How do you go Bust in Blackjack?
Blackjack has a simple goal – get 21, or as close to it as possible.
But what happens when you (or the dealer / house) go over 21? Well, my friend, you (or the dealer) busted.
It’s essentially that simple - when it comes to Blackjack, the highest limit that you can reach is “21”. A player can utilize every numerical variation, and as many cards as possible, just as long as they do not go past “21”. If they do, well, it’s bust time. And busting means an automatic loss. If a player busts, they lose. If the dealer busts, all players that haven’t busted (or surrendered) win.
So how does a player avoid “busting” their hand? Very simple: Don’t have your hand value go over “21”. That may sound like a “gee, thanks Captain Obvious” statement, but in all honesty, there are ways to avoid having to be dealt that losing hand. A lot of it has to do with odds, and the rest of it just has to do with recognizing your limits in a hand.
When playing Blackjack, it is important to recognize the odds. The higher the value in a player’s hand means a higher percentage of reaching that “bust” limit. Let’s say, for example, that you are initially dealt a hand with a value of 11 or less. With a value that low, there is absolutely no chance of “busting” as a player has 10 more points value to work with. If you cannot bust, then always hit. But if you have a chance to bust (12 or higher), then you have to think about the dealer busting, and perhaps try to play for that exact scenario.
That said, it’s important to keep in mind that one cannot always let the odds rule how you play your hands. While there are obviously real disadvantages when playing too recklessly, there is also something to be said for playing too carefully. As a player, you cannot afford to play TOO carefully. While there may be established odds for you busting, there are situations and circumstances that call for taking that risk. If you have a 12, and the dealer has a face card showing, you may want to think hard about hitting instead of standing, even though you may bust.
In other words, you can’t always be afraid of the bust – sometimes, you just have to take a chance! As always, good luck in the casino (win or bust!!)
