Blackjack Strategy Guide
As many varieties of blackjack exist, every variety should
have its own strategy. I just try here to explain a bit
how to play in an adequate manner, and what are my feelings
when I tried blackjack games. Take these recommendations
as they come as you will get probably more experienced while
reading other advices and playing for fun at the early beginnings.
You will find many books about the different strategies
in blackjack in the books section of the site. So please
have a look at it, this should give you another perspective
on what is currently written and available on this subject.
As always, and this is good to know for all games, if you
begin to feel tired and bored, it's better to leave the
game. It is a good advice, especially when it comes to blackjack
- a game that requires more concentration, talent and playing
technique than other games. I've seen different polls on
the frequency players use to come to their favorite online
casino, and this is around once a week. This fact being,
unless you are a hard core gambler, playing money once a
week is in the average.
As usual, only loose what you can afford. And when your
target is hit (up or down), leave the game; that's how you
stay master of yourself.
I will try to review the main operations available in this
game and how play them wisely.
I would also mention that, to me, blackjack is one of my
favourite games with roulette, even I show less luck at
it.
5 tactical operations when playing
blackjack.
1.When the cards are drawn.
Has the dealer luck or not ?
Does he draw a high card ?
If yes, make a prayer. Just hope that everything will go
right for you.
If no, as the dealer just shows a low value card, look at
your game : do you have low value cards (cards under 11)
? If yes, let the dealer draw the high value cards as these
cards are more present in the game than any others and keep
yours and stand. The dealer will probably get busted with
a bit of luck.
2. When do you split ?
One more time, look at the drawn cards.
Do you have aces ? If yes, split.
Does the dealer has a low card ? If yes, split. Otherwise,
no.
3.When to double ?
As you may only double on 9, 10 or 11, only double when
the dealer is weak. Otherwise, your chances are very small.
Exceptions exist : you may sometimes double on any 2 cards
or 10, 11 only.
4. Increase the stakes when you're
lucky.
And go back to your initial stake should you loose. That
is of course, theory; a bad turn of luck is always something
to fear.
5. When do I need insurance ?
I would say never, because the casino has an higher edge
and the utility of this is not very clear (This could be
explained mathematically). This option is only given when
the dealer shows an ace. And your insurance is just against
the dealer having a blackjack (the dealer will check if
he has a 10 after his ace). Remember that with insurance,
you only get back what you wagered...Why ? Because you are
only protected against a blackjack, and your insurance will
be paid 2:1, and in the case of casino blackjack you loose
your original bet - unless a blakcjack is on your side -
meaning just a break even point for you. So insurance is
a bit pointless.
N.B. Blackjack strategy charts exist, these are customized
for a combination of many factors. I think these charts
could be interesting because they show what to do in which
circumstance. A chart like that will tell you if you must
STAND, DOUBLE or HIT in function of the total of the dealer's
cards and the total of your cards ! How are these charts
validated ? Two ways : the hard way is via complex probabilty
mathematics and the second way is by using computers to
simulate a maximum of different combinations, analyzing
them and select only those that give the best results. With
a bit of search, you should find many charts comparing Las
Vegas and Atlantic City variants of blackjack. A carefull
reading of these charts will reveal no major differences.
N.B that the odds are still against you unless you count
cards...
