Blackjack, also called the game of 21, is an interesting and special table game that requires you to play against the dealer and not other players. This requires you to develop special strategies to beat the house, and trust me, that’s very tough. Remember the popular quote, “the house always wins.”
Even at that, in the words of American businessman, Charlie Ergen:
“Blackjack is very scientific. There’s always a right answer and a wrong answer. Do you take a card, increase your bet, bet big, or bet small? There’s absolutely a right and wrong answer.”
Incorporating some basic strategies into your game can significantly increase your winning percentage and turn you to a blackjack player to hit six figures. Like driving vehicles, a basic strategy will only act as a fuel to ignite the engine, but you still have to step on the gas at the right time, and manage your bankroll.
First, How to Play Blackjack
Before we can start dissecting strategies, we need to understand basic rules of blackjack, especially as a first-time player. In simple terms, the aim is to beat the dealer. And how do you beat the dealer?
- The opponent’s card (the dealer) goes above 21
- After the rounds, your total card is higher than the dealer’s (of course, not exceeding 21)
- You draw an ace and a 10 on your first two cards (blackjack).
In blackjack, every card you receive has a figure attached. However, Aces can be either 1 or 11, and you decide what you want it to be by yourself. Number cards, which consist of 2 to 10, are worth their figures, while face cards like Jack, King, and Queen are worth 10.
Once both parties get their cards (you and the dealer), the game officially starts. Your opponent, the dealer, will have one of his cards face-up and the other turned down. You then choose whether to:
- Stand – Turn down your request for new cards.
- Hit – Request another card from the dealer to get closer to 21.
- Split – This has to do with dividing your hands into two hands( only when you have matching cards).
- Double Down – To get an extra card to boost you advantage, you have to double your bets.
- Surrender – forfeit a share of your bet when the dealer has the upper hand.
Also, you can change the outcome of the game by representing the total in a different figure. For instance, a soft 16 or a 6 can mean an ace and a 5. It all depends on the most favourable approach you choose to take to determine the outcome of the game. However, if you draw an additional card, let’s say a 9 that takes your total card count over 21, you count the ace as a 1, and your total card count as a hard 15.
Why is this important? Per the game rules, the dealer must hit if he has a 16 or below and should stand if he has a 17 or higher. However, some casinos make it compulsory for the dealer to hit if he has a soft 17, which reduces the probability of beating the dealer. So, advice number one, avoid casinos that don’t stand on soft 17s.
When to Hit, Stand, or Split in Blackjack
Once you understand the basics of blackjack, drafting a good strategy with a mathematically proven success rate should be the next step. Fortunately, we’ve done all the work to find the best strategy, especially for first-time players.
When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack
As a rule of thumb, you should always hit when your hands are 11 or lower because there’s no way they can bust. Once you get 12 -16 in total and the dealer has 7 or higher, the best approach is to hit as the dealer is likely to build a stronger hand.
Then, when you accumulate a 17, it’s okay to stand. Also, note that whenever a dealer has 6 or lower and you have 13-16, you have a strong hand and you have closer to a 21 than the dealer. In most cases, the dealer tends to go above the threshold.
When to Double Down and Capitalise on Your Wins
Once you have a total or 10 or 11, double down and capitalize on your wins. Also note that when the dealer has a weaker hand. If you also have a soft 16-18 and the dealer has an update of 4-6, double is definitely the best way to win.
Note: Be very careful so you don’t double down when the dealer shows a 10 or an Ace.
When to Split Your Pairs for Better Odds
Splitting has to do with timing, as one wrong move can end it all. Splitting Aces and 8s is better as you have a better chance at 21. Having 10s or 5s on the other hand is not advisable to split, as splitting 10s gives you a strong hand (20) and 5s puts you at an immediate disadvantage.
Final Thoughts: Is a Basic Strategy Good Enough?
Everyone likes to win in a game of blackjack, and even Bill Rancic once said, “If I gamble, I go for the lowest-end blackjack or slots. It’s because I don’t like to lose”. Added to these knowledge, learning how to adequately manage your wins in blackjack is the best strategy you can ever equip yourself with
That’s why you need to learn risk management techniques, which we cover in our other guides.
