How to Beat the House Edge in Blackjack
Blackjack is the card game for intellectuals, mathematicians, and those who like a good chance of beating the house. While it is true that luck plays a major role in blackjack, the proper application of basic strategy can significantly improve your win rate. In addition, there are a few other things you can do to make your blackjack experience more enjoyable.
Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is vital to long-term blackjack success. It is recommended that you play only one to two percent of your total bankroll per hand. This will prevent you from making emotional decisions and reduce the risk of financial strain. It is also important to keep a detailed record of your blackjack winnings and losses, as this will help you evaluate your skill level and pinpoint areas of improvement.
Splitting
You can improve your chances of getting a better hand by splitting pairs, such as two nines or two threes. However, this strategy requires you to place another bet equal in value to your initial wager. In addition, you should only split aces and eights if the dealer is showing a seven or higher. Otherwise, the dealer is likely to bust.
Doubling down
Doubling down in blackjack is a great way to increase your chances of winning a hand by taking a second bet that is equal to your original wager. This is a great option when you have a hand that is worth 11 points or less, as it gives you the opportunity to get a card that will boost your total. However, it is important to remember that you should never double down with a soft hand, such as a 16, as this will lower your odds of winning.
Surrender
According to Michael Shackleford, a gambling aficionado and mathematician, if you are dealt a hand of 16 against a dealer’s 10, you should surrender if the table allows it. He notes that most players don’t even know that this option exists. This option can be early or late, and it allows the player to forfeit a hand and cut their bet in half before or after the dealer checks for blackjack. It is best to check the rules of a specific table before making this decision.