10 Best Blackjack Strategies To Increase Your Chances of Winning

 

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around the world. The objective of the game is simple – get a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. However, winning at blackjack requires more than just luck. It requires a good understanding of the game and the use of effective strategies.

Blackjack is a game that involves both luck and strategy. While luck plays a big role in winning, a good understanding of the game and effective strategies can significantly increase your chances of success.

start online casinoIn this blog post, we will discuss some of the best playing strategies for blackjack.

In the game of Blackjack, the decision to double down on a particular hand depends on a few factors, including the value of the player’s hand, the dealer’s upcard, and the rules of the specific game being played. In general, the strategy of doubling down is to increase the player’s bet and receive one additional card, with the goal of improving the hand’s value and beating the dealer.

STRATEGY 1: Double Down on Hard 11

When you are dealt a hard 11, which is a hand that does not contain an Ace, it is generally a good idea to double down if the dealer’s upcard is 2 through 10. This is because the chances of getting a 10-value card are high, which would give you a hand value of 21. However, if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, it is better to simply hit your hand as you may need to improve your hand value.

sTRATEGY 2: Double Down on 10 When the Dealer’s Upcard is 9 or Less

When you are dealt a hard 10, which is a hand that does not contain an Ace and is valued at 10, it is always a good idea to double down if the dealer’s upcard is 9 or less. This is because the chances of getting a 10-value card are high, which would give you a strong hand value of 20. However, if the dealer’s upcard is a 10-value card or an Ace, it is better to simply hit your hand, as the chances of improving your hand value are lower.

STRATEGY 3: DOUBLE DOWN A-2 THROUGH A-7 WHEN THE DEALER’S UPCARD IS A 5 OR 6

This strategy is based on the fact that the dealer’s upcard of 5 or 6 is considered a weak card, and the player’s hand of A-2 through A-7 has a good chance of improving with one additional card.

However, it is important to note that this strategy is not a universal rule, and there may be situations where it is not the best decision to double down. For example, if the player’s hand is a soft 17 (a hand containing an ace that can be counted as 11), it is generally better to stand rather than double down, even if the dealer’s upcard is a 5 or 6.

In summary, while the advice to double down A-2 through A-7 when the dealer’s upcard is a 5 or 6 can be a useful basic strategy guideline, it is important to consider other factors such as the specific game rules and the player’s hand value before making a doubling decision in Blackjack.

STRATEGY 4: Split a Pair of 8s and Aces

When you are dealt a pair of 8s or Aces, it is almost always a good idea to split the pair. This is because a hand value of 16 or 12 is not a strong hand, and splitting the pair gives you a chance to improve your hand value. When you split a pair of Aces, you can only receive one additional card for each Ace, so be cautious when doubling down.

When it comes to splitting a pair of 8s in Blackjack, the general strategy is to always split the pair. The reason for this is that a pair of 8s has a total value of 16, which is considered a weak hand in Blackjack. By splitting the pair, the player has the opportunity to turn the two weak hands into two potentially stronger hands, each starting with a value of 8. Additionally, the dealer’s upcard of 2 through 7 is considered weak, and splitting a pair of 8s gives the player the opportunity to take advantage of this by potentially doubling down or hitting to improve the hand.

When it comes to splitting a pair of Aces in Blackjack, the general strategy is also to always split the pair. The reason for this is that a pair of Aces has a total value of 12, which is not a strong hand in Blackjack. By splitting the Aces, the player has the opportunity to turn the two weak hands into two potentially strong hands, each starting with a value of 11. Additionally, a hand containing an Ace is a powerful hand in Blackjack, as the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 depending on the player’s needs. By splitting the Aces, the player has the opportunity to potentially get two hands with a value of 21, which is the highest possible hand in Blackjack.

It is important to note that while splitting pairs of 8s and Aces is generally considered a good strategy in Blackjack, it may not always be the best decision depending on the specific game rules and the dealer’s upcard. In some cases, it may be better to hit or stand with a pair of 8s or Aces, so it is important to consider all of the available options and make the decision that gives the player the best chance of winning.

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Strategy 5: Hit a Hard 12 Against a Dealer’s 2 or 3 Upcard

When you are dealt a hard 12, which is a hand that does not contain an Ace and is valued at 12, it is generally a good idea to hit if the dealer’s upcard is a 2 or 3. This is because the dealer has a high chance of busting when their upcard is a 2 or 3. However, if the dealer’s upcard is a 4 through 6, it is better to stand, as the dealer is less likely to bust with these cards.

When it comes to a hard 12 (a hand containing no Aces or containing an Ace that can only be counted as 1) in Blackjack, the general strategy is to hit the hand against a dealer’s 2 or 3 upcard. The reason for this is that the dealer’s upcard of 2 or 3 is considered a weak card, and the player has a good chance of improving their hand without busting by taking an additional card.

If the player stands on a hard 12 against a dealer’s 2 or 3 upcard, their chances of winning the hand are low, as the dealer has a good chance of improving their hand without busting. By hitting the hard 12, the player has the opportunity to potentially improve their hand to a value that is closer to 21, while also taking advantage of the dealer’s weak upcard.

STRATEGY 6: HIT ACE-7 (SOFT 18) WHEN THE DEALER’S UPCARD IS 9, 10, OR ACE

In blackjack, soft 18 (an Ace and a 7) is a tricky hand to play because it is right on the edge between standing and hitting. However, in the scenario where the dealer’s upcard is a 9, 10, or an Ace, the optimal strategy is to hit the soft 18.

The reason for this is that when the dealer’s upcard is strong, they have a better chance of making a hand that can beat yours, even if they have a weak starting hand. For example, if the dealer has a 9 showing, they have a good chance of making a strong hand with a 10 or a face card.

By hitting the soft 18, you give yourself the best chance of improving your hand without going over 21 (which would result in an automatic loss). The risk of going over 21 is mitigated by the fact that you are holding an Ace, which can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on the circumstances.

STRATEGY 7: DOUBLE DOWN ON 10 WHEN THE DEALER’S UPCARD IS 9 OR LESS

The optimal times to double down are when you have a strong hand and the dealer’s upcard is weak. When the dealer’s upcard is 9 or less, and you have a total of 10, doubling down is the optimal strategy.

The reason for this is that a total of 10 is a strong starting hand, and doubling down will give you a chance to win more money when the dealer is in a weak position. When the dealer has a weak upcard, such as a 6 or a 5, they are in a more vulnerable position, making it more likely that you will win the hand.

By doubling down on 10, you increase your bet and improve your chances of winning. However, it’s important to note that doubling down also increases your risk, so it’s important to use this strategy wisely and only when you feel confident in your hand.

STRATEGY 8: ALWAYS STAND WITH A PAIR OF 9s WHEN THE DEALER’S UPCARD IS A 7

there are times when it is advantageous to split pairs, and other times when it is better to stand. When you have a pair of 9s and the dealer’s upcard is a 7, standing is the optimal strategy.

The reason for this is that when the dealer has a 7, they are in a relatively weak position, and standing with a pair of 9s gives you a good chance of winning the hand. Splitting the pair would separate the two 9s into two separate hands, each with a value of 9, which is not a particularly strong starting hand. This means that you would be risking more money with two weaker hands instead of one stronger one.

In addition, if you choose to hit and receive another card, there is a significant risk of going over 21 and busting, which would result in an automatic loss. By standing with a pair of 9s, you have a reasonable chance of winning the hand outright, and even if the dealer has a stronger hand, you still have a good chance of pushing and recovering your initial bet.

STRATEGY 9: STAND ON HARD 16 AGAINST A DEALER’S 10 UPCARD IF YOUR 16 IS MULTI-CARD

In blackjack, a hard 16 is a hand that contains no Aces, or a hand where the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid going over 21. When you have a hard 16 and the dealer’s upcard is a 10, the optimal strategy is to stand, even if your 16 is multi-card.

The reason for this is that when the dealer’s upcard is a 10, they are in a strong position, and they have a good chance of making a hand that can beat your 16, even if it is a multi-card 16. By standing, you avoid the risk of going over 21, which is very high when you have a hard 16.

If you choose to hit with a multi-card 16 against a dealer’s 10 upcard, you will be at a significant disadvantage. The risk of busting is high, and even if you manage to improve your hand, you may not be able to beat the dealer’s hand.

In general, it’s important to remember that in blackjack, the dealer has a slight advantage, and the best strategy is to minimize your losses rather than trying to win every hand. Standing with a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10 upcard is a strategy that minimizes your losses and gives you the best chance of winning the hand.

STRATEGY 10: NEVER MAKE THE INSURANCE BET

start an online casinoIn blackjack, an insurance bet is a side bet that can be made when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. The insurance bet is essentially a bet that the dealer’s hole card will be a ten-value card, giving the dealer a blackjack. The insurance bet pays 2:1 if the dealer does have blackjack, but if the dealer does not have blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet.

The reason why players should generally avoid making an insurance bet is that the odds are not in their favor. The probability that the dealer has a ten-value card in the hole is roughly 1 in 3, which means that for every three insurance bets made, only one will be successful. This means that the insurance bet has a negative expected value, meaning that in the long run, the player will lose money by making this bet.

Moreover, taking insurance when the dealer has an Ace showing does not change the odds of winning the original bet. If the player’s hand beats the dealer’s hand, the player wins their original bet, regardless of whether or not the dealer has blackjack. If the player’s hand loses to the dealer’s hand, the player loses their original bet, regardless of whether or not they made an insurance bet.

Therefore, it is generally recommended that players avoid making the insurance bet in blackjack, as it has a negative expected value and does not impact the outcome of the original bet. It is generally better to focus on playing solid basic strategy and managing your bets to maximize your chances of winning over the long run.

In conclusion, blackjack is a game of skill that requires a good understanding of the game and the use of effective strategies. The basic strategy is the foundation of all blackjack strategies, while card counting is an advanced technique that can give players an advantage over the casino. Progressive betting can be a good strategy if used correctly, but you should avoid insurance bets and manage your bankroll effectively. By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of winning at blackjack.

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