Blackjack is the most popular table game at casinos worldwide and is not just a game of chance. It requires a good deal of skill and strategic thinking to win consistently. This guide delves into various strategies that can significantly increase your odds of winning, whether you're a novice or an experienced player.
Basic Blackjack Strategies
Understanding basic blackjack strategies is crucial for if you’re aiming to improve your game. These foundational tactics can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of beating the dealer.
When to Say No to More Cards
With this blackjack strategy, the first thing to do is consider your total number and how the next card will affect it. For example, if you have a total of eighteen, it may be time to say no. Only four cards can help you win, while ten cards can ruin you. With a 28.5% winning chance, it is better to stop drawing cards and save your remaining money than risk losing more in the current play.
When to Say Yes to More Cards
Sometimes it pays to say “hit me” – metaphorically speaking. If you have a low starting number, saying yes to another card is common sense. In this blackjack strategy, if a player has a starting number of fourteen or less, it is usually ideal to ask for another card.
For example, if you have twelve, it may be a smart idea to ask to be dealt another card. Ten cards can help you win the round, and only four cards can cause you to lose. Statistically speaking, there is a 71.5% winning chance, which is more than enough to justify another card draw.
When To Hit or Stand
| Your Hand |
Dealers Card |
|
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
Ace |
| 8 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 9 |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 10 |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
HIT |
HIT |
| 11 |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
HIT |
HIT |
| 12 |
HIT |
HIT |
S |
S |
S |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 13 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 14 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 15 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 16 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| Ace, 2 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| Ace, 3 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| Ace, 4 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| Ace, 5 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| Ace, 6 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| Ace, 7 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
HIT |
HIT |
S |
| Ace, 8 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| 2,2 |
HIT |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 3,3 |
HIT |
HIT |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 4,4 |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 5,5 |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
DD |
HIT |
HIT |
| 6,6 |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
HIT |
| 7,7 |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
HIT |
HIT |
S |
HIT |
| 8,8 |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
HIT |
HIT |
| 9,9 |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
S |
SPL |
SPL |
S |
S |
| 10,10 |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| Ace, Ace |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
SPL |
| HIT |
Take a
further card |
| S |
Press STAND (do not take a further
card) |
| SPL |
Press SPLIT (separate your two cards and
play a hand on each) |
| DD |
Press DOUBLE (double your
stake) |
Advanced Blackjack Strategies
If you are looking to elevate your blackjack game, advanced strategies can provide a significant edge. These tactics go beyond basic play, offering sophisticated approaches to increase your chances of winning.
Doubling
Doubling is tricky business, and although it can lead to a very high payout, it can equally lead to a huge loss. This blackjack strategy involves changes to your starting total. It involves an automatic doubling of your bet and your winning payout.
However, confirming this move will result in you getting two cards rather than one in the next turn. This should not be done often, as it can almost certainly lead to a loss.
This strategy is generally useful when a player has fewer than eight starting total. If a player doubles after his/her initial two cards, and the player gets two sixes, they can still win as the final score will be twenty. Again, the possibilities of winning and losing should always be analyzed first.
Do the Split
Splitting is a move whereby a large double number can be split by half. The option usually presents itself when double numbers come. This Blackjack strategy should be carefully used and only when there is a strong chance that the next card can help you win.
For example, a player has a starting total of twenty, which comprises two tens. Splitting in such an example should never be done. However, if a player gets a starting total of sixteen, which comprises two eights, a split can and should be done. After a split, if a player gets an ace, the total will reach nineteen and will sufficiently improve the odds of winning. This blackjack strategy can be a lifesaver at times.
Soft Hands
A "soft hand" in blackjack includes an ace, which can be counted as either one or eleven. Soft hands offer flexibility and reduce the risk of busting.
For example, hitting is advisable if you have an ace and a six (soft seventeen). Drawing a card that would normally bust a hard seventeen will lower the ace’s value to one, giving you another chance to improve your hand without busting.
Insurance Bets
Insurance bets are side bets that the dealer has blackjack when their face-up card is an ace. While tempting, these bets are generally not recommended due to their unfavorable odds.
This means that you can bet half your original wager as insurance if the dealer shows an ace. If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance pays 2:1. However, statistically, the house edge on insurance bets is high, making it a less favorable strategy in the long run.
Tips for Consistent Winning
Consistent winnings in blackjack require more than just luck; they demand disciplined strategy and smart decision-making. Here are some essential tips to help you maximize your profits and minimize losses.
Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term success in blackjack. Set a budget for each session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, and know when to walk away with your winnings.
Understanding the Dealer’s Position
Knowing the dealer’s rules can help you make better decisions. The dealer must hit until they reach a total of seventeen or higher. This knowledge can guide your strategy, especially when deciding to hit, stand, or double down.
Utilizing Basic Strategy Charts
Basic strategy charts provide a statistically optimal move for every possible hand combination against the dealer’s upcard. Memorizing or referencing these charts can drastically improve your decision-making and overall performance.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional blackjack player, it is always important to remember the foundations of blackjack to maximize your odds of winning. Memorizing even one key blackjack strategy can and will help any player turn any bad situation into a good one. Memorizing them all can make you very rich very fast.
