Blackjack Strategy – How to Win Big at the Blackjack Table
Blackjack is a game of chance, but skill can greatly increase your chances of winning. While it’s impossible to overcome the house edge, basic blackjack strategy can make a significant difference. The following tips will help you play smarter, avoid a losing streak, and maximize your wins.
Keep your emotions in check
A common mistake is to let negative feelings like anger or anxiety influence your decision-making at the blackjack table. This can lead to rash decisions that can ruin your odds of winning. In addition, it’s important to stay calm and focused at all times so you can make the best decisions possible.
Always follow the basic strategy
There is no single strategy that will guarantee you a 100% win rate in blackjack, but there are certain rules that should be followed in order to improve your chances of success. These include playing with a smaller bet size and never betting more than half your bankroll per hand. These simple rules can dramatically reduce your variance and make a huge difference in your overall success.
When to hit
It’s generally a good idea to hit whenever you have two cards that total 11 or more. This will give you a higher chance of getting a face card or a blackjack, which pays more than your original bet amount. Additionally, you should hit when the dealer’s up card is a weak one, such as a six or five.
When to stand
It is usually best to stand when you have a hand that totals 16 or more. This is because you will beat the dealer’s potential blackjack, which will pay 3 to 2 instead of the usual 6 to 5.
When to split
Splitting pairs is a great way to increase your odds of winning in blackjack. However, you must remember that you can only receive one additional card for each pair. In addition, you must be careful not to split aces and eights against dealer upcards, as they will most likely bust.
When to double down
A double down is a wager that you will receive another card (no more, no less) and that will add to your current total. This is a great strategy when the dealer shows a weak card, such as a five or six, and when the number of decks in use is low.
It is also a good idea to double down when you have a soft hand that has the potential of making a high total, such as a 12, against a dealer’s up card of 2. You can still lose your hand but you will lose less money than if you stood. It’s also a good idea to double down when the dealer has an ace up, especially if it is a face card or a 10. This is because the probability of getting a ten-value card is much higher than the opposite. This is why it is often referred to as “insurance.” This is called a “push” in the game and your bet will remain on the table.