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Blackjack is one of the most popular games in any casino. Blackjack’s popularity stems from the fact the game is one of the few casino gambling games that calls for strategic decision-making, where the better players can reduce the casino’s odds to almost zero by implementing a perfect blackjack strategy. In this article we will outline the basic strategies of blackjack that will allow you to play the game with just the slightest disadvantage to the house.
Basic Strategy
The basic strategy for a hand of blackjack is entirely dependent on the dealer’s up-card, since the dealer has a strict set of rules that must be followed. Regardless of what any player’s hand value is, the dealer must stand on a 17 or better and hit a 16 or lower. On the other hand, players have a number of different options to choose from: - Stand: If a player is satisfied with the hand they have been dealt they have the option to ‘Stand’, meaning they do not wish to receive any more cards.
- Hit: Players can also receive another card until they are either satisfied with their holding and ‘Stand’ or until they ‘Bust’ (exceed 21).
- Double: By doubling you are essentially doubling your bet and will be dealt one additional card, no more, no less!
- Split: If a player is dealt two cards of the same rank they have the option to split their hand, making two separate hands. To split you must place a second bet of equal value to your original wager on the new hand.
- Surrender: Most casinos offer a player the option to ‘surrender’ their hand. By surrendering you will only lose ½ of your original wager.
Most players use the following strategies while playing blackjack (keep in mind there are more advanced strategies that can be implemented that will further reduce the house edge, but these strategies are much more complicated and take experience to implement properly). - Stand on any 12 or higher if the dealer has a 2-6 showing
- Hit any 12 or higher if the dealer has a 7-Ace showing
- Always stand with a ‘hard’ (without an Ace) 17 or better regardless of the dealer’s up-card
- Always hit soft 13-18’s, and double soft 16-18’s if the dealer is showing a 6 or lower
- Always Double on an 11 and Double on a 10 if the dealer has a 9 or lower showing
- Always Split Aces and 8’s, and 22, 33, 66, 77, and 99 if the dealer’s up-card is between 2 and 6
- Surrender any 16 vs. a Ten
- Never take insurance –Insurance is a sucker’s bet
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