CASINO STRATEGY: BLACKJACK BASICS

By TIM KOTOWSKI

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games played in casinos worldwide. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closest to 21 without going over and maintaining a value that is higher than the dealers value. However, to be successful in blackjack, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out strategy.

In this article, we will be diving into the world of blackjack strategies, both basic and advanced. We will discuss the importance of understanding the value of cards, the significance of the dealer’s face-up card, and when to hit, stand, split or double down. Additionally, we will touch upon card counting and basic strategy deviation, and provide tips for successful blackjack play.

The purpose of this article is to provide players with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop their own winning strategy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the information provided in this article will help you make the most out of your blackjack game.

What Is Blackjack?

The basic premise of blackjack is for players to get as close to 21 as possible without going over and obtaining a value that is higher than that of the dealer. Cards are worth their face value, with the Ace being either a one or an eleven. All face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are worth 10. In the beginning of the game, each player, as well as the dealer, is given two cards. All the player’s cards are face-up, but one of the dealer’s cards is face-down, injecting an element of uncertainty into the game.

Next, the player decides whether to hit (take another card) or stand (stay with the hand they have) after being dealt their initial two cards. The dealer will then hit or stand based on certain house rules that require them to hit if they have less than seventeen, and stand if they have seventeen or higher. Some casinos allow the dealer to hit on a seventeen so be sure to check before you begin playing. If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, the player wins. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than the player’s, the dealer wins. If both hands are equal, it is a push (tie).

The most important rule in blackjack is to never exceed 21. If a player’s hand exceeds 21, they automatically lose regardless of what the dealer has. This is called “busting” and it is the biggest mistake a player can make.

Blackjack also has several special rules that can be beneficial to the player if used correctly. One of these is “doubling down”, which allows a player to double their bet after being dealt their initial two cards. Another beneficial rule is “splitting”, which allows a player to split their two starting cards into two separate hands.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack is at heart, a numerical game, and almost always has a correct move based on your count and the dealer’s card. When it comes to deciding when to hit, stand, split, or double down, the best advice is to follow the basic strategy charts. These charts can be found with a quick Google search for “blackjack Strategy Cards” and will provide clear recommendations on when it’s best to hit, stand, split, or double down depending on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card.

Split - If you are dealt two cards of the same value (e.g. two 8s), you should split them. The only exception to this being that you should almost never split 10s or 5s. Also avoid splitting 4s when the dealer has a strong card (8 or higher).

Stand - If the total value of your cards is 17 or higher, you should stand. The exception to this being if your hand is “Soft”, meaning that it contains an ace and another number. Ace + 6 is a soft 17, which you should always hit. It can’t bust, and most options either improve that hand or set it up to improve later. If your hand is a soft 17, you should hit. If it is 18 or higher, stand.

Insurance - Never take insurance, it gives the dealer a 6% edge in most games.

Advanced Blackjack Strategy

Card counting is an advanced blackjack strategy that requires a great deal of practice and dedication to master. It is a technique that allows players to gain an edge over the casino by keeping track of the cards that have been dealt from the deck. This method of counting cards allows the player to know what cards are left in the deck, and thus, be able to make better decisions about when to hit, stand, double down, or split.

Understanding basic strategy deviation is another important strategy for advanced blackjack players. This technique involves deviating from the basic strategy when the player knows that the odds are in his favor and that the house edge can be minimized. For example, a player may decide to deviate from the basic strategy and double down on a soft 17 if he knows that the deck is full of low cards. However, even in this situation you will need complete mastery to avoid making the wrong move. You should always double soft 17 against a weak dealer up card. (4-6).

Double Down - If the total value of your cards is 10 or 11, you should double down.

For now, here is a basic guide of what to do and when:

Hit - Whenever the total value of your cards is 11 or lower, you should hit.

Surrender - If the total value of your cards is 15 or 16 and the dealer’s card is a 9, 10, or Ace, you should generally surrender. Not all casinos offer surrender as an option. If you cannot surrender, you should hit.

Finally, when it comes to playing in a blackjack tournament, there are some additional strategies that players should be aware of. For example, some tournaments may require players to “buy in” with a certain amount of chips. In this case, the player should be sure to conserve their chips and only play when the odds are in their favor. Additionally, tournament players should be aware of the tournament rules, such as the number of rounds to be played, any betting limits, and the payout structure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to blackjack strategy, it is important to remember there are some common mistakes to avoid.

First, one of the most important mistakes players make is not sticking to basic strategy. Basic strategy is the optimal way of playing a hand of blackjack and is based on specific mathematical formulas that have been tested and proven to provide the best results. By not following basic strategy, you are greatly reducing your chances of winning.

Second, taking insurance is another mistake to avoid when playing blackjack. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2-1 if the dealer has blackjack, but as already mentioned, it is a poor bet for the player.

Third, it is important to not forget to split pairs when the opportunity presents itself. Whenever you are dealt a pair, you have the option to split them into two separate hands. This doubles your bet, but it also provides you with a better chance of winning.

Finally, it is important to not be too aggressive with your bets. Although it can be tempting to double down or increase your bet when the cards are in your favor, it is important to always keep your bets within your budget. This will help ensure you don’t lose too much money and that you can continue to play for a longer period of time.

Go Out and Play!

There are several important strategies to consider when playing blackjack. Familiarizing yourself with the basic ideas of when to hit, stand, double down and split can help players significantly reduce the house edge. This is especially true when playing with a single deck. Additionally, understanding the various rule variations and how they affect the house edge is an essential part of becoming a successful blackjack player.

Having a firm understanding of these strategies, however, is only half the battle. The other half is practice. It is important to be able to apply these strategies correctly in the heat of the moment. That is why it is essential to practice these strategies until they become second nature. This can be done by playing for free online or with friends, or even studying the paths of experienced professionals.

With the right combination of knowledge and practice, players can significantly reduce the house edge and improve their odds of success.