|
The basic strategy is a mathematically based group of rules that helps players make the optimal decisions given their hand and the dealer's upcard. Many fans like to master these rules on the top online blackjack websites, where they can practice in various game modes. These are the key principles of the basic strategy:
- When to Hit – The player hits once more if his hand is not sufficiently high enough to stand in safety, or if the upcard of the dealer is powerful.
- When to Stand – The player does not hit once more if his hand is already sufficiently high enough and additional risk would lead to busting.
- When to Double – The player doubles the bet in certain situations in order to make the most when they have a strong hand and the dealer has a weak card.
- When to Split – The player divides two cards of equal rank into two separate hands when it increases the chances of winning.
- When to Surrender – When the player's hand is very weak against a strong dealer card, they can surrender and get back half their bet (if available).
The basic strategy minimizes the house advantage and gives the player maximum chances of winning in the long run.
Examples of Using Basic Strategy
Let's say the player has 12 points (10 and 2) and the dealer upcard is 7. The player ought to hit based on basic strategy. The dealer has a decent card, and the player is too low to hold.
Another example: the player has 16 points (10 and 6) and the dealer shows a 5. The correct move is to stand. The dealer's card is a bad one and will bust more often, and the player already has a relatively high score.
If you have two eights (16 points) and the dealer has a 9, basic strategy requires that you split. Two eights are a poor hand, but splitting them gives you two separate hands with better chances of winning.
Basic strategy helps you make the best decision at every stage of the game, reducing mistakes that lead to losing money.
Advanced Blackjack Strategy
The advanced strategy involves more sophisticated techniques, such as card counting, using special rules, knowing the penetration of decks, and managing your bankroll correctly. Advanced play, in contrast to basic play, requires greater care and experience.
Card Counting
Card counting is a method of monitoring the number of low and high cards in the deck. The concept is simple: if there are more high cards (tens, face cards, and aces) left in the deck, it's better for the player since there are more possibilities to hit a blackjack.
The most well-known counting system is Hi-Lo:
- Cards 2–6 = +1
- Cards 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace = -1
- Cards 7–9 = 0
By keeping count, players will be able to know when they can double up and play more aggressively.
Maximizing Strategy
- Doubling and Splitting – For some games of blackjack, you can double after an already split hand (Double After Split). This is maximizing your strategy because it gives you extra opportunities to increase winnings when good cards appear after a split.
- Surrender – This principle proves useful when you have a poor hand against a good dealer card (for example, 16 against Ace). Surrendering lets you minimize losses by giving up half your bet instead of losing the entire amount.
- Knowledge of the Casino Rules – The rules are different in different casinos, for example, the dealer stands on soft 17 or doubling down after splitting. These play a major role in your strategy.
For example, if the current running Hi-Lo count is +5, then there are more high cards remaining in the deck. He has to consider increasing his bet as there is a greater possibility of hitting a blackjack.
If the player has a pair of fives (10 points) and the dealer receives a 4, the basic strategy recommends doubling down. But where splitting after doubling is allowed, it is better to split the fives and double each hand so obtained to earn more. Likewise, if the player receives 15 points and the dealer has an Ace, the advanced strategy recommends surrendering (if allowed) to return half of the bet.
Advanced strategy helps you to play the game more proficiently and take advantage of some casino rules to increase your winning possibilities.
Choosing an Online Blackjack Casino
Online blackjack has several pros compared to its brick-and-mortar version. Online sites offer more games, cozy surroundings, bonuses, and playing with low stakes. Here are the major advantages of online blackjack:
- Extensive Range of Variants – There exists a range of blackjack games supported by online casinos, ranging from Classic, European, and American to side bets or jackpot versions.
- Bonuses Available – Welcome bonuses in most online casinos can be used when playing blackjack, thereby increasing your initial bankroll and extending your game.
- Low Minimum Bets – Online blackjack minimum bets are usually much lower than offline casinos, so the game is open to players with any bankroll.
- Play Anytime, Anywhere – Online blackjack can be played 24/7. Play on a computer or mobile phone from home.
|
