Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. Its popularity stems from a number of factors. The first is that it is simple to understand and the rules have remained the same everywhere. Another factor is that it offers players several playing options including splitting, doubling down and hitting. If players use a defined strategy, they can reduce the house edge to less than 2% (rules dependent).
To improve your chances of winning at blackjack you need to stick to basic playing strategy and not let the actions of other players at the table or your previous session results affect your decisions. The cards don’t care about how much you bet or if your last blackjack session was a losing one. In fact, increasing your bet size to compensate for a recent loss can actually decrease your odds of winning in the long run.
When to hit – The basic rule is to hit when you have two cards equaling 10 or 11. This will give you the best chance of improving your hand by adding another card. If the dealer has a bad card showing like a six, it is also a good time to double down.
Standing on 17+ – Stand on your starting hand of 17 or higher unless the dealer has an Ace or a 10. This will give you the best chance to beat the dealer without having to ask for more cards.
Splitting – When you start with two matching cards, such as two 3s or two 8s, you can choose to split them into two separate hands with equal bets. This will increase your odds of getting a Blackjack by allowing you to get another card that can help your total.
Surrender – If your hand is unlikely to beat the dealer’s, you can surrender and recover half of your original bet. This is a risky move and should only be considered when the dealer has a weak card that is likely to make your hand bust.
Ties and Pushes – When your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win and are paid 1:1. If the dealer has a Blackjack, all players lose the hand except for those who have a blackjack (which will be paid 6:5). If your hand and the dealer’s hands have an equal value, it is a tie or push and you keep your bet.
There is a lot to remember when learning how to play blackjack, but if you follow a well-defined strategy, the few mistakes that are bound to happen won’t cost you too much. The key is to stay focused and enjoy the game. Keeping a positive mindset is important as it will contribute to making better decisions and helping you play at a high level. Ultimately, this will lead to more wins and fewer losses. Good luck!