Blackjack is one of the select few games that, despite being played against casinos, can bring players short-term and long-term profits. To achieve that, however, would require much more than just luck. Below, we will guide you through the whole journey – from being a complete newbie to someone with a fair chance to consistently win at blackjack.
Blackjack is a card game played against a dealer – alone or with other participants. At the beginning of each round, he hands players and themselves 2 cards. While the players’ cards are face down, one of the dealer’s is faced up. Only at this point does the game truly start, as each player, starting clockwise, is offered a choice – to either Hit, Stand, Double, or Split. Each of those actions can significantly impact the profitability of the round – but we will come back to them later.
The goal of the game is to have a hand with a total value of 21 or as close to it as possible without exceeding the goal. The winner is decided based on who is closer to the desired value. Thus, before making any move, players need to evaluate both their own hand and the hand of the dealer.
All numbered cards are counted as their value, while all face cards are 10s. The Ace is the only card that changes value depending on other cards – it can be either 11 or 1. If the overall value of the hand is over 11, the Ace is counted as 1. If a player gets a natural blackjack (10 and Ace as their first 2 cards), they are considered a winner unless the dealer also has one.
There are a lot of things that players need to grasp before engaging in real money games of blackjack. Among those are:
Blackjack is famous for boasting an RTP of 99.5%. However, this value can be reached only if you follow an optimised strategy. It is completely legal to use it in online casinos; therefore, if you are just starting your blackjack journey, always have it open in a separate tab/screen. The table below outlines the strategy for 4-8 deck blackjack with dealers standing on Soft 17.
Your Hand | Dealer’s Up Card | Action |
---|---|---|
8 | 2-10, A | Hit |
9 | 3-6 | Double |
2, 7-10, A | Hit | |
10 | 2-9 | Double |
10, A | Hit | |
11 | 2-10 | Double |
A | Hit | |
12 | 4-6 | Stand |
2-3, 7-A | Hit | |
13-16 | 2-6 | Stand |
7-A | Hit | |
17+ | Any | Stand |
A, 2 - A, 6 | 5-6 | Double |
Any other card | Hit | |
A, 7 | 2-6 | Double |
7-8 | Stand | |
9-A | Hit | |
A, 8+ | Any | Stand |
Pairs (2-2, 3-3) | 2-7 | Split |
8-A | Hit | |
4-4 | 5-6 | Split |
Any other card | Hit | |
5-5 | 2-9 | Double |
10-A | Hit | |
6-6 | 2-6 | Split |
7-A | Hit | |
7-7 | 2-7 | Split |
8-A | Hit | |
8-8 | Any | Split |
9-9 | 2-6, 8-9 | Split |
7, 10-A | Stand | |
10-10 | Any | Stand |
A, A | Any | Split |
When you have a 15 and are faced with dealer 10, you are supposed to Surrender, or if it is not allowed, Hit. The same action is advised if you have 16 and faced with dealer 9, 10 or Ace.
Understanding the game's rules, using optimised methods, and practising disciplined gameplay are all required to master blackjack. While luck plays a role, using a planned strategy considerably boosts your chances of success.
Always start by familiarising yourself with the basics, such as hitting, standing, doubling, and splitting. Use the strategy table as a guide during gameplay to make informed decisions and reduce the house edge. Don’t overlook the importance of reading table rules, especially regarding variations like Insurance, Surrender, or side bets, as these can affect your overall strategy.
Finally, remember that this game is as much about patience and focus as it is about strategy. Stick to your game plan, manage your bankroll wisely, and continuously refine your skills. With time and practice, you’ll enjoy the game and develop the expertise to play like a pro.
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