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One of the most popular card games in casino history due to its pure simplicity, Blackjack is one of those games that is incredibly easy to pick up.
Like most online casino table games, Blackjack is largely a game of chance. Card counting withstanding, there’s nothing you can do to control the value of the cards you get dealt. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t Blackjack strategies that can be used to increase your chances of winning.
Unlike online Poker or Craps, there’s no lengthy card combinations that need memorizing or complex casino tables. The goal of Blackjack is straightforward – you want to finish closest to the value of 21 by using the value of the cards.
Blackjack has been around since the 1700s, which means there’s been plenty of time for casino goers to practice and perfect their betting strategies.
Quick Blackjack Strategies to Improve Odds
Before diving into some of the more complex Blackjack betting strategies, there’s several simple systems you can implement into your game to improve your odds and chances of winning. These are the fundamentals of the game that you should know before sitting down at an online Blackjack table.
Apply these quick blackjack strategies to your game right away:
- Don’t bet more money than you can afford to lose.
- Don’t bet more than half your stack on a single wager.
- Always split Aces and 8s, never split 10s and 5s.
- Avoid the side bets and insurance due to their high house edge.
- Play Blackjack online before heading to the casino.
Effective Blackjack Strategies for Winning
Due to how long the game has been around, there is no shortage of Blackjack strategies that can be found online. However, there are five betting techniques that stand above the rest when it comes to unlocking consistent winnings at the Blackjack table.
Use these five effective Blackjack strategies for winning to level up your performance:
Always Split a Pair of 8s and Aces
The first effective Blackjack strategy that is worth diving into more detail is the idea of always splitting a pair of 8s and Aces. No matter what the dealer’s upcard (the card showing on the table) is, this strategy suggests that you should split.
“Splitting a pair” in Blackjack is when you split your pair into two separate hands with their own respective outcomes. Splitting is your best move here since Aces gives you more chances at winning, while 8s lets you cut your losses based on what the dealer’s upcard is.
Always Hit Ace-7 When the Dealer’s Upcard Is a 9, 10, or Ace
Classified as a Blackjack strategy for soft hands, this technique says to always hit Ace-7 (soft 18) when the dealer’s upcard is a 9, 10, or Ace.
Despite soft 18 feeling like a strong hand, you’re actually the underdog in this scenario when facing a 9, 10, or Ace upcard. Hitting in this scenario gives you the chance of drawing a 2, 3, or additional Ace which all but guarantees a win.
Split a Pair of 2s or 3s Against a Dealer’s 2 or 3 Upcard
Third on this list of more advanced Blackjack strategies is the idea that you should always be splitting a pair of 2s or 3s when up against a dealer 2 or 3 upcard.
In a single-deck game, splitting a pair of 2s or 3s when the dealer’s upcard is a 2/3 can dramatically increase your chances of winning.
Always Stand With a Pair of 9s Against a Dealer’s Upcard of 7
One of the common blackjack strategies is to split when you have a pair of 9s and the dealer is showing a 9 or less as their upcard. However, when the upcard is a 7, the strategy changes.
In this scenario, you want to stand pat and hold your 18. The chances of the dealer drawing a 10 as their second card is high, allowing your 18 to beat their 17. This obviously isn’t a foolproof strategy, but the odds suggest standing pat in this scenario is the most advantageous. You’ll win more money in the long-term by standing pat in this situation.
Always Double Down on 10 When the Dealer’s Upcard is 9 or Less
Probably the most well-known Blackjack strategy out there, you are always supposed to double down on 10 when the dealer is showing an upcard of 9 or less. Doubling down is when you double your initial wager, greatly increasing your potential winnings should you win the blackjack hand.
According to the odds, you are the betting favorite when you hold a two-card value of ten against a dealer’s upcard of nine or less. With the odds slightly in your favor, you can take a calculated risk and double down to improve your potential winnings.
Always Double Down on a Hard 11
Last but not least on this list of simple Blackjack strategies for casino play is always doubling down on a hard 11. A “hard” hand in Blackjack is any hand that does not contain an Ace. For example, a “hard 11″ would include a 5 and a 6, a 7 and a 3, etc.
As long as you are playing a single-deck game, you always win more money doubling down on a hard 11 as opposed to just hitting. The dealer’s upcard doesn’t matter in this scenario.
More Winning Blackjack Strategies for Card Players
The strategies listed above are just a small taste of the many tactics and techniques that have been developed over the years to improve one’s chances of winning at the Blackjack table.
Additional winning Blackjack strategies include never playing a 6 to 5 Blackjack game, standing on hard 16 against a dealer’s 10 upcard, never making the insurance bet, always doubling down on 8 against a dealer’s 5 or 6 upcard, and many more.
Continue exploring the many different online Blackjack betting techniques to maximize your chances of winning.
Blackjack Strategy Chart, Table, and Calculator
In addition to these Blackjack strategies and systems, another good way to improve your chances of winning at the blackjack table is to utilize charts, tables, and calculators.
These charts and tables can help show you the recommended action based on what cards are in your hand and what the dealer’s upcard is. The charts and tables aren’t a perfect science, but they’re a good tool to use to ensure you’re making the recommended moves.
Other than the example above from our how to play Blackjack guide, plenty of free-to-use Blackjack charts, tables, and calculators can be found online with a quick Google Images search.
Combining the information on the charts provide with the strategies above is a great way to improve your chances of winning at the Blackjack table.
Online Blackjack Strategy FAQs
What is the basic Blackjack strategy?
Basic blackjack strategies involve not betting more than you can afford to lose, not betting your entire stack on one hand, and avoiding insurance/side bets.
How can I win at Blackjack?
Blackjack is ultimately a game of chance. However, using Blackjack betting strategies and Blackjack charts can improve your chances of winning.
Should I always hit on 16 in Blackjack?
The general recommendation is to always hit on 16 when the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher.
Is card counting legal in Blackjack?
Card counting in Blackjack is technically legal. However, it is generally frowned upon and can get you kicked out of casinos.
What is the best Blackjack strategy for beginners?
There’s no single best Blackjack strategy for beginners. However, avoiding insurance/side bets is one of the first tips preached to new players.
When should I double down in Blackjack?
Always double down on a hard 11. Always double down on 10 when the dealer’s upcard is 9 or less. Always double down on Ace-2 through Ace-7 when the dealer’s upcard is 5 or 6.
What is the difference between Blackjack strategy and card counting?
Card counting is a challenging technique that involves keeping track of each card dealt to determine probabilities. Blackjack strategy is using the cards shown on the table and set principles to make informed betting decisions.
How do I choose the best Blackjack strategy for different rule variations?
Single-deck and multi-deck Blackjack have different odds and strategies. Make sure you specify which version you are playing when implementing strategy.
Are there any online resources for learning advanced Blackjack strategies?
Free-to-use Blackjack charts, tables, and calculators can be useful tools to implement when playing blackjack online.
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