Almost everyone is aware that blackjack is one of the most profitable casino games in terms of odds. It may even seem that following the correct strategy can give you an edge over the house in terms of mathematical advantage. However, this is not true, but it can seem that way if the house edge is low enough.
This article will describe the strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning at blackjack.
Before playing blackjack, familiarize yourself with the rules.
If you do not understand how to play, no amount of knowledge about basic blackjack strategy or card counting will help you win. Making mistakes can lead to substantial losses.
You can only take the following actions while playing blackjack:
- Hit
- Stand
- Double down
- Split
- Surrender
In Blackjack rules, it is well known that hitting means taking another card.
Likewise, everyone is aware that to stand means not to accept more cards.
Doubling down is similar to hitting, except that the stake is twofold. Doubling down also includes taking one more card and then standing – this is an essential part of the process.
The act of splitting is one of the most complex moves one can make, and it is not an easy thing to explain in writing. However, once you have used it in a real-life setting, it is easier to understand.
Last but not least, surrendering is the equivalent of folding in a game of poker. The only difference is that you only lose half your bet when you surrender. This is not always the best decision.
Master the basics
Blackjack, unlike other games, is mathematically solvable. There is a correct strategy for all possible situations. It is a matter of basic mathematics. In blackjack, you cannot rely on intuition or guesswork. In all cases, the most effective move is the one that is most likely to produce the best results.
In every blackjack hand, there are two pieces of information:
- You already know one of the dealer’s playing cards – it is facing up.
- You are aware of the two cards you possess and their total value.
It is mathematically advantageous to play every total against every face-up dealer card in a certain way.
In simple terms, a basic strategy comprises all possible strategies in one chart. The dealer’s upcard is displayed along the top of the table, alongside your complete house total. By cross-referencing the two pieces of information, you can calculate the most appropriate course of action.
Knowing the right play in every situation is imperative and does not rely solely on a basic strategy table. The basic strategy chart can, however, be used at all times if desired. The casinos don’t mind. Despite basic strategy, you are at a disadvantage by mathematical standards.
Search for games with the best odds of winning
A variety of blackjack variants are available in different casinos, each with its own rules. Typically, the payout for blackjack will vary according to the casino. Blackjack is a two-card hand with a total value of 21 – the hand always consists of an ace and a card worth at least 10.
The probability of winning blackjack at an online casino is 3 to 2. Therefore, if you place a bet of $100 and win a blackjack, the payout is $150. However, at specific casino tables, blackjack payouts are only 6 to 5. Therefore, if you placed a $100 bet and got a blackjack, you would receive $120 in winnings.
A few casinos may attempt to exploit those that lack mathematical aptitude by offering a 6 to 5 payout to appear as if they are doing you a favor. A 6 to 5 payout seems better than a 3 to 2 payout because 6 is a larger number than 3. However, do not forget that it is a ratio.
Be careful not to place side bets.
Blackjack rules include a side bet referred to as insurance. Taking insurance is not a wise decision unless you are carefully counting your cards and know that it is the most rational choice at that time.
What is the insurance process?
If the dealer has an ace face up, you may place a side bet equal to half your original stake. A dealer with a 10 in the hole means this side bet wins 2 to 1. Naturally, if the dealer holds a 10 in the hole, your main wager is void. In this context, an insurance bet protects against potential losses.
An insurance bet is a negative expectation proposition because it is based on a large number of unknowables. There are more 10s than other cards. Still, the remaining cards outnumber the tens by an overwhelming proportion. As a card counter, you may be able to recognize when the deck has become unbalanced enough for insurance to make complete mathematical sense. If not, do not take insurance.
In addition, you can avoid placing any strange side bets that the online casino may offer. These side bets always carry a high house edge – as opposed to the house edge for the actual game of blackjack.
Learn the art of counting cards
The traditional way to gain an advantage in blackjack is to count cards. The objective is to keep track of which cards are high and which cards are low in the deck. An ace and a 10 are high cards in a blackjack hand. Therefore, if the deck contains more tens and aces than lesser valued cards, then the probability of you getting a blackjack is higher.
In conclusion
Are there any ways to increase your odds of winning at blackjack? To begin with, learn the blackjack rules and then learn basic strategy. Make sure you do not play games that have unacceptable rules, such as 6/5 blackjack. Lastly, if you wish to advance further, you should learn to count cards. It is possible to increase your blackjack winning chances, but it does require a little effort.
