Blackjack is generally the game people think of when they conjure up an image of a casino. It is the game they play in a whole host of movies, from comedies such as The Hangover to more serious players in Rain Man and Jame Bond in Licence to Kill. As with other classic casino games such as poker and bingo, its new home is online, becoming more popular than ever.
Blackjack has reasonably simple rules, making it easier to play than other card games. However, there are countless theories, strategies, and tips for playing blackjack online that people will swear by to beat the dealer. Some of these achieve nothing, but a few simple rules to follow will give you an edge.
Know the Game
Like anything else, it is worth reading up on before you commit. You can check out this guide for some general ideas, particularly the section on knowing the specific rules of each variant of Blackjack.
Being online allows game developers to make many different versions of this classic game, and if you do not know the game mechanics of your chosen game, you give the horse the advantage. Visit any online casino, and you will find titles such as Crazy Blackjack, Progressive Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack, Blackjack Bingo, and many others. So do not just storm into a room thinking you know what blackjack is because it could be a costly learning experience.
Your knowledge of the game can also be improved by listening to those that are bonafide winners, so make sure you read our interview with famous professional blackjack player Anthony Curtis and get yourself in the right mindset. There is more information out there that could benefit you, but let us look specifically at two areas where people often make mistakes.
Double Down
Straight after your initial two cards have been dealt, you have an opportunity to double down, and there are three groupings of hands where it is logical for you to do so.
- You have a hard nine (2&7, 3&6, or 4&5), and you can see the dealer’s face-up card is 2-6.
- You have a hard ten or eleven (2&8, 2&9, 3&7, 3&8, 4&6, 4&7, 5&5, or 5&6), and you can see the dealer’s face-up card is lower.
- You have a soft 16, 17, or 18 (Ace plus 5, 6, or 7), and you can see the dealer’s face-up card is 2-6.
In each of these scenarios, you will not go bust, and it is more probable that you will get closer to 21 than the dealer. It might seem a lot to remember, but playing online, you do not need to worry that you will be mocked for checking your notes, and after a few wins, these plays will be etched into your brain.
Split
Just like the double down, with the split, there are three categories to keep in mind:
- Cards you always split;
- Cards you never split;
- Cards where the decision rests on what the dealer’s face-up card is.
Always split aces and eights. If you do not split double aces, you either have twelve or two, and twelve does not leave much wriggle room, and probability says the two will become a twelve first twist. With a split and an abundance of cards with a value of ten, you are far more likely to be a winner. Two eights is not a great hand, split or not, but a split is the best option. Splitting makes sense as sticking on 16 is not likely to yield any cash, and with no split, any card above five makes you bust.
Never split tens, fours, or fives. Splitting tens disassembles a hand with a high probability of winning. And with fours and fives, you cannot go bust with your next hit. However, with a split, there is a good chance you will create a low-value hand with a high probability of busting when you chase something better later.
- You have 2s, 3s, or 7s, and the dealer has 2-7.
- You have 9s, and the dealer has 2-6 or 8-9.
- You have 6s, and the dealer has 2-6.
These are not necessarily going to win you money, and splitting on 18 is a particularly tough call to make, but splitting is the percentage call in these circumstances.
Blackjack is still the most easily accessible casino game and remains popular among the Hollywood elite. The double down and the split are areas where you can really play the percentages and maneuver into a superior position, but you should check out our other guides to ensure you have the best chance of success.
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