How to Win at Blackjack
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Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill can make a significant difference in your winning percentage. While there is no magic formula that will give you a 100% win rate, learning basic strategies can help you reduce your losing streaks and increase your overall bankroll.
Blackjack starts when you and the dealer each place a bet. You are then dealt two cards. If your first cards add up to 21 (an ace and a card valued at 10), you have a “natural,” or blackjack, and you are paid one and a half times the amount of your bet. If the dealer has a natural, they collect all player bets.
After you have your two cards, you can decide to either stand (keep your hand) or hit (request more cards). Each choice has its own benefits and risks. In general, you should hit if your cards total 16 or less and the dealer has a weak card showing, such as a five or six. On the other hand, you should always stand on a hand of 17 or higher, no matter what the dealer is showing.
When to split in blackjack
You can also make your hand stronger by splitting your cards, if they are of equal value, like two eights or two threes. You can also split pairs of face cards, such as two kings or two queens. It is best to split aces and eights, as well as threes and sevens. When you split, you place a second bet equal to the value of your original hand and play each card separately.
When to double down in blackjack
The blackjack strategy charts will help you figure out when to hit and when to double down. These are based on slightly different versions of the game, which is why you will need to memorize several charts. They will vary based on whether the table is single or multiple decks and how many rules are in place, such as whether the dealer must stand on soft 17.
The best way to avoid going broke in blackjack is by having a plan for when you will stop playing. A win limit will ensure that you take a break before your luck runs out. This will not affect your chances of winning, but it will help you control how much money you lose in a session. It’s just like setting a limit for how much you will spend at a strip club before you say goodbye to your money.