Blackjack Strategy
There are many different blackjack strategies out there, but the key is to find the ones that work best for you. Here you’ll find a complete list of blackjack strategies and how to use them to maximize your winnings.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
There are several basic blackjack strategies that novice players can use and these strategy will help you make the best decisions based on the cards you have and the dealer’s upcard. Below, we’ll go over the basic strategy when playing blackjack online, using hard hands, soft hands, and pair splitting.
Hard Hands
A hard hand is any hand that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as 1. When you have a hard hand, you should follow these guidelines:
- If your hand is 8 or less, always hit.
- If your hand is 17 or more, always stand.
- If your hand is between 12 and 16, you should hit if the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher, otherwise you should stand.
Soft Hands
A soft hand is any hand that contains an Ace that can be counted as 11. When you have a soft hand, you should follow these guidelines:
- If your hand is soft 17 or less, always hit.
- If your hand is soft 19 or more, always stand.
- If your hand is soft 18 and the dealer’s upcard is 2, 7, or 8, you should stand. Otherwise, you should hit.
Pair Splitting
When you are dealt a pair, you have the option to split the pair into two separate hands. When you split a pair, you must place an additional bet that is equal to your original bet. Here are some guidelines for pair splitting:
- Always split Aces and 8s.
- Never split 4s, 5s, or 10s.
- Split all other pairs if the dealer’s upcard is 6 or less.
By following these basic strategies for hard hands, soft hands, and pair splitting, you can improve your chances of winning at blackjack. Remember to always keep in mind the dealer’s upcard and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Betting Systems
If you’ve played blackjack before you have probably heard of Martingale and D’Alemberg strategies, but how do they work in practice? Find out how the most popular betting systems for blackjack works:
Martingale System
The Martingale System is one of the most popular betting systems used in blackjack. The idea behind this system is to double your bet after every loss until you win. Once you win, you go back to your original bet. The theory is that eventually, you will win a hand and recoup all of your losses.
While this system can be effective in the short term, it can also be risky. If you go on a losing streak, you can quickly find yourself betting large amounts of money just to recoup your losses. Additionally, many casinos have table limits, which can prevent you from being able to double your bet after a certain point.
Paroli System
The Paroli System is another popular betting system that can be used in blackjack. This system is the opposite of the Martingale System in that you double your bet after every win instead of every loss. The idea is that you will continue to ride a winning streak and maximize your profits.
One of the benefits of the Paroli System is that it is less risky than the Martingale System. Since you are only increasing your bet after a win, you are not risking as much money. However, this system does require you to go on a winning streak to be effective.
D’Alembert System
The D’Alembert System is a more conservative betting system that can be used in blackjack. With this system, you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease your bet by one unit after a win. The idea is that you will eventually win a hand and recoup your losses.
One of the benefits of the D’Alembert System is that it is less risky than the Martingale System. However, it is also less effective since you are only increasing your bet by one unit after a loss. Additionally, this system can be slow to produce results, which can be frustrating for some players.
Game Selection
Choosing the right game is crucial to your success, as some online casinos might have certain conditions or rules compared to other sites. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a game:
Table Conditions
The table conditions can greatly affect your chances of winning. Look for tables with favorable rules such as:
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Double down allowed on any two cards
- Surrender allowed
- Blackjack pays 3:2
Avoid tables with unfavorable rules such as:
- Dealer hits on soft 17
- Double down only allowed on certain cards
- No surrender allowed
- Blackjack pays 6:5
House Edge
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. Look for games with a low house edge to increase your chances of winning. The house edge can vary depending on the number of decks used and the specific rules of the game. Generally, games with fewer decks and favorable rules will have a lower house edge.
Remember to always play within your budget and never chase losses. With these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of winning at blackjack online.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Here are some of the most common mistakes that players make when playing online blackjack and how to avoid them:
Ignoring Basic Strategy
Basic strategy is the foundation of solid decision-making at the blackjack table. It’s a theoretical model designed to help you make the most optimal move in any given situation. Ignoring basic strategy is one of the biggest mistakes that players make. Make sure to study and understand basic strategy and how to play blackjack effectively.
Not Managing Your Bankroll Effectively
Managing your bankroll effectively is crucial when playing blackjack. It’s important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Don’t chase your losses by betting more money than you can afford. Also, avoid betting too much money on a single hand. A good rule of thumb is to bet no more than 5% of your bankroll on any given hand.
Splitting Pairs Incorrectly
Splitting pairs is a common strategy in blackjack, but it’s important to do it correctly. One mistake that players make is splitting pairs of 10s. While it may seem like a good idea to split a pair of 10s and try to get two hands of 20, it’s actually a bad move. A pair of 10s is already a strong hand, and splitting them gives you two weaker hands.
Doubling Down at the Wrong Time
Doubling down is another common strategy in blackjack, but it’s important to do it at the right time. One mistake that players make is doubling down on 11 when the dealer is showing an ace. While it may seem like a good idea to try to get a hand of 21, it’s actually a bad move. The dealer’s ace gives them a strong chance of getting a hand of 21, and you’re better off hitting and hoping for a better hand.
Practicing and Simulation
If you want to improve your blackjack skills, you need to practice regularly. Practicing can help you learn the basic strategy and develop your skills wether it’s with a strategy or not. One of the best ways to practice is by using a blackjack simulator or free blackjack sites. There are several online casinos that offer free blackjack games, some of which we highly recommend.
