June 2025

Blackjack is an exciting card game in which players compete against a dealer to reach closer to 21 than they do, without going over. Although many aspects of winning depend on luck alone, certain strategies can increase players’ odds of success including effective bankroll management, learning how to shuffle properly and taking advantage of promotions.

Every player who wishes to enjoy blackjack at home or in a casino should familiarize themselves with certain basic rules before beginning. Knowledge of when it’s best to hit, stand, double down, split or exercise other side bets can help them make better decisions when hitting, standing, double downing and exercising other side bets; having this insight also reduces losses while increasing wins.

Blackjack is played on a semicircular table with various seating arrangements; usually seven seats (or “spots”) are used. A dealer stands behind a chip rack at one edge of the table while players place their chips directly on top of them on their seat at the table in front of them.

Before cards are dealt, each player places a bet. If a player receives an ace with any card worth ten or higher – known as a “natural”, they win their hand; otherwise if a dealer also reveals one then one and one half times their original bet will be immediately returned back to them as an immediate payment. Likewise if they achieve blackjack without the dealer doing the same they receive their original stake back.

To increase your odds of success and maximize your odds of winning, always bet against the dealer when you have a strong hand. When dealing with weak hands, try strengthening them by drawing cards that increase total value and adding cards that improve their total value. Also learn when to double down as it will decrease house edge and increase chances of victory.

Note that your strategy and play will change depending on the dealer’s upcard; for instance, when they show 3, 4, or 5 on their upcard you should hit more frequently against them and when facing a dealer with 6, 7, 8, or 9 upcard you should stand more frequently against them – doing this increases your odds of beating the dealer and increasing chances of victory.

Mathematicians and computer scientists have long studied the game of blackjack. Mathematicians developed optimal strategies utilizing probability theory and computer simulations; when combined, these provide an unparalleled way of reducing casino edges to less than.5%. When employed correctly, blackjack becomes one of the most profitable casino games for players.

To develop the optimal blackjack strategy, start by memorizing basic strategy charts. These charts outline when to hit, stand, double down or split depending on your hand and the dealer’s upcard – including odds for winning each hand type (hard hands, soft hands and pairs). There are three charts in total: one each for hard hands, soft hands and pairs.

If you grew up in Sydney during the 90’s and have raised children since, chances are you have spent time at this iconic suburban pool. Complete with waterslide, hot tubs and kids area this pool rocks! They even host movie night-themed ‘Dive Ins’ during summer where visitors can watch movies by the water! In winter they drain it to fill it up with trout for fishing opportunities!

“Pools aren’t just places for swimming; they’re also community gathering points,” states photographer Ignacio Palacios, “where we socialize, relax, and let go.” His new book explores Sydney’s rockpools – ocean baths cut straight out of rocky headlands – which offer serenity during low tide but become turbulent at higher tide. These ocean baths serve as infinity pools that all tell their own unique tale.

Public pools provide swimmers with an essential space to gather and connect, but also serve an integral purpose in improving health and wellbeing. Swimming can help alleviate depression and anxiety while research shows it reduces heart disease risk factors like stroke and high blood pressure – no wonder swimming has become such a popular recreation activity worldwide!

Swimming pools may offer many benefits, yet their construction can sometimes cause controversy. Many have encountered cost overruns, political disagreements and logistical complications; North Sydney Olympic Pool’s redevelopment was once held up as an example for other councils to follow but since its relaunch it has become the subject of intense public scrutiny and controversy.

At the core of this drama lies an unprecedented rate increase that will quadruple pool operating costs and befuddle many residents, recalling what former mayor Zoe Baker describes as a “bloated vanity project”. But not everyone shares this sentiment.

Michael Easton believes we all gravitate towards water for some unknown reason, which prompted him to start exploring suburban swimming holes with a friend a few years ago, documenting their journey on Instagram. Since then he’s visited 68 different pools, finding each experience magical – “There’s just something about being in water that just feels right!”

Suburban pools not only bring back memories, but they also offer their own special charms. Mount Druitt’s quiet location and parkland setting makes it special. Mr Easton mentions “creative ways they find to get people through the gate”, saying this makes these pools truly exceptional.

Swimming pools offer more than just fun; they also represent cultural landmarks. When visiting one, take time to admire its design and consider all those who have spent their lives using it.