Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is more engaging than a slot machine but less complex than poker, and can be played by players of all experience levels. It is a game between the player and the dealer, and the aim of the game is to get a hand total of 21 or come closer to it without going over. The game starts when each player is dealt two cards. The dealer then receives a card face up and another card face down. Players can choose to draw (request more cards) or stand (stop drawing cards) based on set rules.

The game is usually offered with side bets, such as Insurance, which pays if the dealer shows an ace. Other side bets, such as Double Down, allow the player to increase their initial bet by doubling it and then receive only one additional card. Players can also split their cards, which allows them to form two separate hands and play them independently of each other.

When a player’s first two cards add up to 21, this is known as a Blackjack and the hand wins immediately, regardless of how the dealer plays their hand. Blackjack also pays 3-2, which is better than the standard 5:4 payoff on other winning hands.

Despite its popularity, blackjack is not without its share of controversy. In recent decades, it has suffered from increased competition from other games, especially baccarat, which is preferred by many Asian high rollers. In addition, blackjack has been subject to changes designed to reduce the house edge for players.

For example, a new rule that became widely adopted in Las Vegas casinos, in which the payout on blackjacks is cut from 3:2 to 6:5, has infuriated serious blackjack players. This change has the same impact on the house edge as spore drive did on Star Trek purists.

Some players have learned to beat the house at blackjack by counting cards, a technique that requires good memory and knowledge of probability theory. Counting helps players increase their chances of winning by increasing the number of high cards in the deck when they are favorable to the player and decreasing the number of low cards when they are not. This is a skill that can be mastered by anyone willing to put in the time and effort to learn it. However, it is important to note that even the best card-counting system can still have a small house edge over the long run. This is because the dealer always has a slight advantage over the player in any game.

A Hong Kong summer can be a bit brutal. From the blazing sun to the insufferable humidity, it can leave you feeling sweaty and sticky throughout the day. If you’re looking for a way to cool down differently, try hopping into one of the city’s many swimming pools.

Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or a newbie, there are a lot of options to choose from. From pool complexes to swanky hotel rooftop pools, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a dip in the summer. Just be sure to pack sunscreen and don’t forget a towel.

If you’re not a guest at the hotel, you may be able to pay for a day pass to the pool. However, some of the pools are only open to guests or require a spa package, so make sure to check the details before you head over.

The Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool in Wong Chuk Hang is a sprawling complex with pools of all sizes and shapes. You can swim laps in the large main pool, practice your dives at the diving pool, or let your kids have a blast in the two kid-friendly pools.

Another great option for a relaxing dip is the YMCA’s Olympic Pool in Kowloon Park. This beautiful pool is located right next to the equestrian arena and offers a scenic view of Victoria Harbour. It’s a bit of a walk from the MTR station, but you can always take a bus or a taxi to get there.

You can also find some hidden gems by searching online for “pools hk.” Using this tool will allow you to see the results of past draws and make predictions about future ones without having to wait for them to be broadcast. This will save you a lot of time and effort and ensure that you’re making the best bets possible!

If you’re looking for a more swanky pool, be sure to check out the 118th floor Ritz-Carlton pool. It’s the world’s highest hotel pool and features a stunning view of the city below. It’s serene and sophisticated by day, but it really comes alive at night when the city lights twinkle over the glass walls.

While only about 40 per cent of the seasonal lifeguards have reported for duty, leisure authorities have admitted that full reopening of public beaches and pools this summer is unlikely this year due to a lifeguard shortage. They have been trying to address the problem by increasing the salaries of seasonal lifeguards and recruiting more onto two-year contracts. However, this has not been enough to alleviate the issue. This has sparked anger among lawmakers who demand more progressive measures to tackle the issue. They say that the government has been indifferent to the plight of local lifeguards for too long. The stalemate is expected to continue until the end of the season.