Since its introduction, blackjack has become one of the most popular table games among gamblers. Due to its immense success, several blackjack variants are available in both land-based and online casinos. Although luck plays a big role, mastering the basic rules of blackjack is essential when playing well and winning. You should also learn blackjack strategy and hand charts to make intelligent moves and outperform other players. If you are new to blackjack and still learning the game's rules, this Wild.io blackjack guide will help you learn how to use blackjack strategy tables to your advantage.
What is Blackjack?
Ready to uncover the secrets of the well-known blackjack universe? Grab your detective hat (or lucky socks) because we're diving into the magical land of 21, where cards reign supreme, and winning is as sweet as finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag!
Blackjack is a popular card game that combines skill, strategy, and a dash of luck. Also known as 21, the objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closest to 21 without exceeding it. Players are dealt cards, and the game involves making decisions based on the cards in hand and the dealer's upcard. With origins dating back to the 17th century, blackjack has evolved into a casino classic.
What is a Blackjack Strategy?
A blackjack strategy is a set of rules and techniques that players use to improve their chances of winning at the game of blackjack. The strategy involves making decisions on when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender based on the player's hand and the dealer's upcard.
One common and widely studied strategy is known as basic strategy, which provides players with the statistically best option to take in any given blackjack situation. Basic strategy takes into account the player's hand total and the dealer's upcard, aiming to minimize the house edge and maximize the player's chances of winning.
Other advanced strategies, such as card counting, involve keeping track of the cards that have been dealt to gain an advantage over the casino. However, it's important to note that card counting is not allowed in all casinos and requires high skill and practice.
8 Blackjack Strategies
The Wild.io team has prepared 5 blackjack strategies to help you win big and improve your gameplay. These strategies involve doubling down on hard 11, hitting on hard 12 against the dealer's 2 or 3 upcard, doubling down on 10 against the dealer's 9 or lower upcard, avoiding splitting pairs of 10s, and not splitting pairs of 5s. By utilizing these strategies, you can increase your chances of winning and outplaying other players at the blackjack table.
1. Double Down on Hard 11
Doubling down is a great way to increase your earnings at the blackjack table. When facing a hard 11, consider doubling down. This involves doubling your initial bet and receiving one additional card. With a hard 11, you can't bust, and reaching 21 guarantees a win. This strategy can significantly boost your profits.
2. Hit on Hard 12 Against Dealer's 2 or 3 Upcard
When the dealer shows a 2 or 3 as their upcard, hitting on a hard 12 is a good option. This gives you a chance to improve your hand and potentially outplay the dealer. Pair values of 12 are less likely to bust, so taking a hit on a hard 12 can give you a stronger hand.
3. Double Down on 10 Against Dealer's 9 or Lower Upcard
If your hand value is 10, and the dealer's upcard is 9 or lower, you can double down to increase your chances of winning. This strategy leverages your advantage over the dealer and can result in significant earnings.
4. Avoid Splitting Pairs of 10s
While a pair of 10s is a strong hand, splitting them is not always the best option. Keeping the hand value of 20 intact gives you the best chance of winning. Avoid splitting pairs of 10s and stick with a strong hand.
5. Don't Split Pairs of 5s
Splitting a pair of 5s in blackjack is not a good idea. The highest possible hand value for a pair of 5s is 16, assuming a pair of Aces is drawn. It's better to keep the hand value of 10 and avoid the risk of getting a weak hand.
6. Always Split Two 8s
Splitting them is the best strategy when you're dealt a pair of 8s. This gives you two hands with a value of 8, which is easier to improve upon than a value of 16. Splitting pairs of 8s increases your chances of getting a stronger hand.
7. Always Split Two Aces
A pair of Aces is the strongest hand in blackjack. By splitting them, you can create two powerful hands, each with a value of 11. This gives you a higher chance of doubling your earnings. Splitting two Aces is a powerful strategy that can help you conquer the dealer.
8. Use Blackjack Strategy Charts
One of the most effective blackjack strategies that you can use is to rely on blackjack strategy charts. Based on the dealer's up-card, these charts are designed to help you make the best decision for every hand. Using a blackjack chart can significantly reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.
Blackjack strategy charts are multi-row, multi-column tables that contain various blackjack terms and abbreviations. Different strategy charts are used depending on the type of blackjack game and the number of decks used. To use a blackjack strategy chart, you first need to find the row corresponding to your hand. Then, find the column that corresponds to the dealer's up-card. These two points' intersection will tell you the best move for that particular hand.
It's important to note that blackjack strategy charts are not foolproof, and they won't guarantee that you will win every hand. However, they are an excellent tool to help you make educated decisions and maximize your chances of winning.
How to Use the Blackjack Chart
To use the blackjack chart, a player needs to follow these steps:
1. Locate the player's hand value on the left of the chart.
2. Find the dealer's up-card value at the chart's top.
3. Look for the intersection of the two values to find the recommended action for that hand.
For example, suppose a player has a hand value of 12, and the dealer's up-card is a 3. The recommended action is to hit in that case, as shown in the chart. Similarly, if the player has a pair of 8s, and the dealer's up-card is a 6, the recommended action is to split.
It's important to note that the blackjack chart provides guidelines for the best possible action but doesn't guarantee a win. It only increases the player's chances of winning by suggesting the mathematically correct decision for each situation.
Players can use the blackjack chart to practice and memorize the optimal moves for each hand. Over time, making quick and accurate decisions becomes easier during the game.
How to Memorize the Chart
Memorizing a blackjack strategy chart can be daunting, but with practice, it can be done. Here are a few tips to help you memorize the chart:
1. Break it down: Break the chart down into smaller sections. Focus on one section at a time and memorize the moves for that section before moving on to the next.
2. Use flashcards: Write down the moves on flashcards and practice them regularly. This will help you memorize the moves faster.
3. Play online: Practice playing blackjack online using the chart. This will help you get used to using the chart in a real game setting.
4. Repetition: Repetition is key when it comes to memorization. Practice using the chart every day until you have it memorized.
5. Visualize: Try to visualize the moves in your head. This will help you remember them better when you're playing at a real blackjack table.
Remember, it takes time and practice to memorize the chart, but with dedication, you can do it.
Blackjack Tips
If you want to improve your blackjack game, you're in luck. Wild.io has prepared a comprehensive guide with tips and strategies to help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning. So, let's dive in and learn how to play blackjack like a pro!
1. Know when to hit or stand
One of the most important decisions you'll make in a blackjack game is hitting or standing. Hitting means taking another card, while standing means keeping your current hand. The basic strategy is to hit if your hand is 11 or less or if you have a soft 12-17 and the dealer's up card is 7 or higher. Otherwise, you should stand. However, some more advanced strategies consider the dealer's up card and the composition of your hand.
2. Use a consistent betting strategy
Another important aspect of playing blackjack is managing your bankroll. A common mistake is betting too much on a single hand, quickly depleting your funds. Instead, use a consistent betting strategy such as the Martingale system, where you double your bet after every loss until you win, then start with your original bet. However, remember that no betting system can guarantee a profit.
3. Avoid insurance bets
As mentioned earlier, insurance bets are a sucker bet. They're a side bet on whether the dealer has a blackjack, and the odds are heavily in the house's favor. You'll only win your initial bet even if you have a blackjack. It's best to avoid insurance bets and focus on playing your hand.
4. Practice good table etiquette
Finally, it's essential to practice good table etiquette when playing blackjack. This means not touching your cards once they're dealt, not touching your chips once the betting round has begun, and not giving unsolicited advice to other players. It's also important to tip the dealer if you're winning, as they rely on tips for a portion of their income. By following these guidelines, you'll have a more enjoyable and respectful experience at the table.
Card Counting
Just as we mentioned in the beginning, card counting is another popular blackjack strategy that can give you an edge over the casino. This strategy involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt so you can determine the probability of certain cards being dealt next. There are different card counting systems that you can use, but the most common one is the Hi-Lo system. This system assigns a value of +1 to cards 2-6, 0 to cards 7-9, and -1 to cards 10-Ace.
As the cards are dealt, you keep a running count in your head. A positive count means more low cards are left in the deck, which is favorable for the player. A negative count means more high cards are left, which is favorable for the dealer. Card counting is not illegal, but it is frowned upon by casinos. If caught counting cards, you may be asked to leave the casino or even banned from playing blackjack.
However, if you can master this strategy, it can be a very effective way to increase your chances of winning. To learn more about counting cards in blackjack, check out our guide on "How to Count Cards in Blackjack."
Conclusion
Having a strategy when playing blackjack is extremely important, as it can significantly increase the player's chances of winning. A good strategy involves knowing when to hit, stand, split or double down based on the dealer's up card and the player's hand. It also involves understanding the basic math behind the game and knowing when to make certain bets.
One of the most popular strategies in blackjack is the basic strategy, which involves making mathematically optimal decisions based on the dealer's up card and the player's hand. This strategy has been proven to work in the long run and can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5%.
Another effective strategy is card counting, which involves keeping track of the cards played to determine the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck. This strategy requires more skill and practice but can also significantly increase the player's chances of winning.
FAQ
What is the best blackjack strategy?
The best blackjack strategy is often referred to as "basic strategy." This involves making the statistically optimal decision (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender) for every card combination based on the dealer's upcard. The basic strategy minimizes the house edge and increases your chances of winning.
For example, the strategy advises players to always split aces and 8s, never to split 5s and 10s, and to double down on 11 if the dealer shows a card lower than 10.
Is it allowed to bring a chart while playing?
Yes, in most casinos, it is allowed to bring a basic strategy chart while playing blackjack. These charts are not considered cheating as they do not guarantee a win; they simply guide the player to make statistically optimal decisions. However, checking with the casino beforehand is always a good idea, as policies can vary.
Do blackjack charts apply to online casinos?
Yes, blackjack charts apply to online casinos. Online blackjack games typically use the same blackjack rules as physical casinos, so the basic strategy remains effective. However, be aware that some online blackjack games might have different rules or numbers of decks, which could slightly modify the system. Always check the game's rules before playing and adjust your strategy chart accordingly.