Stand on 17+
Any player who knows how to play blackjack knows that standing when having a 17+ is a basic strategy. It's a mathematically calculated system that reduces the house edge to its minimum. By following this strategy, players minimize the chances of busting while maximizing the likelihood of having a winning hand or making the dealer bust.
This strategy is recommendable because it's grounded in probability and statistics. Although no strategy can guarantee a win, following the basic strategy frequently offers the best odds in the long term. All in all, following these guidelines, is essential for understanding the dynamics of the game and becoming more successful when playing it.
Double Down on 11
Doubling down on 11 is a strategy where you double your initial wager after your first two cards add up to 11. This move allows you to take one more card, aiming to get as close to 21 as possible. The logic is straightforward: with a starting point of 11, you have a strong chance of achieving a high total with just one more card.
This strategy is highly recommended because it leverages the favorable odds of improving your hand. When you have a total of 11, the probability of getting a 10-value card to reach 21 is quite high. Doubling down maximizes your potential winnings in this advantageous situation. It's especially effective against a dealer's weak upcard.
Do Not Split 10s
Not splitting 10s is based on retaining a highly advantageous hand rather than risking it by splitting. When you have two 10s, you're just one point away from the perfect score of 21, making it a very secure and strong position against whatever the dealer has. The recommendation to avoid splitting 10s stems from the fact that it's unlikely to improve upon a 20 by splitting.
The odds of getting two hands better than 20 are low, and the risk of ending up with weaker hands is significant. For this reason, keeping the 10s together is a safer, more prudent choice, maximizing the chances of winning against the dealer's hand. This strategy plays it safe, prioritizing a strong existing hand.
Hit on Ace-7 if the Dealer Has 9, 10 or Ace
Hitting on ace-7 if the dealer has 9, 10 or Ace is an essential guideline in learning how to play blackjack online and at physical tables. When you have an Ace-7, and the dealer shows a 9, 10, or an Ace, the strategy advises you to take an additional card, known as hitting.
This move is based on the flexibility of the Ace, which can be 1 or 11, and the possibility of improving your hand without the risk of busting immediately. This strategy is recommended because, in this scenario, the dealer has a strong chance of achieving a high total, possibly better than your soft 18. By hitting, you aim to improve your total.
Stand on 12 if the Dealer Has 4, 5 or 6
Standing on 12 if the dealer has 4, 5, or 6 is a strategy based on the likelihood of the dealer busting when they show a 4, 5, or 6. These are weak cards, so if you have a total of 12, the risk of busting yourself by drawing another card is high. For this reason, the strategy advises standing by hoping the dealer will bust.
This strategy is recommended because it optimizes the player's chances of winning in specific situations. When the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, they have a higher chance of busting, as they must draw cards until they reach a total of at least 17. By standing on 12, you avoid the risk of busting yourself. All in all, it's a part of learning how to play blackjack effectively.
Stand with 13, 14, 15 or 16 if the Dealer Has 2 Through 6
Standing with 13, 14, 15, or 16 if the dealer has 2 through 6 is a tactic based on the higher probability of the dealer busting with these lower cards. In blackjack, dealers must hit until they reach at least 17. If you have a hand in the 13-16 range, the risk of busting by taking another card is significant.
By standing, you reduce this risk, leveraging the chance that the dealer will bust, and you will win the hand. This strategy improves your chances of winning by playing cautiously in scenarios where the dealer is more likely to lose. By knowing the basic blackjack rules and strategies such as this one, you won’t bust your winning chances.