Blackjack Strategy: How To Win at Blackjack

Call it 21, or "Ving-et Un," blackjack has been a part of the American gambling experience since the 1800s. And with the advent of online casinos since the 2010s and growing, playing at the blackjack table is just a click or a tap away on your device. While blackjack itself isn't a complicated game, having at least a basic strategy can help you take your initial bet and give it a fighting chance against the online casino's house edge.

While there isn't a perfect blackjack strategy, at least entertaining and taking the time to come up with a blackjack basic strategy chart, even for professional players can help find the best odds against the dealer's hand. If you're a novice player, despite the many variations, mastering basic strategy with these professional blackjack tips can help a novice player boost your odds of at least winning even a money-making blackjack at land-based casinos or the best online casinos you're signed up at.

Exploring beginner casinos for a strong start in Blackjack strategy can provide novice players a welcoming environment to learn the game and apply basic strategies effectively. Blackjack is at least a two-player game to have a natural blackjack hand or a better hand than the dealer. All the players, or just one player, sit at the blackjack table on the casino floor or virtually online with the live dealer or standalone options. The dealer passes out two hole cards from the shoe to each player. The dealer deals themselves one hole card and one card face up. In the blackjack lexicon, the face-up card dealt is known as the upcard, which the dealer shows to all the players. The cards dealt face down are the hole cards, similar to other games like poker and baccarat.

Once the cards have been dealt and the dealer has dealt themselves the cards, assuming nobody, including the dealer, has a natural blackjack hand, the basic strategy becomes whether to hit or stand. Furthermore, the value of your first two cards is where a basic blackjack strategy chart comes into play. Fortunately, in most blackjack variants, the dealer mainly stands on a soft 17, meaning the dealer's upcard and hole card total value is an ace and a six.

However, players can hit regardless of the cards' total value. However, drawing a third card can result in going over 21, which means you bust and lose the playing round. But drawing a third card means doubling down and boosting your initial wager. Or, if the basic strategy chart calls for you to stand, in American Blackjack, you can double down without drawing a third card and increasing your wager.

For players using basic blackjack strategy charts, the total hand value of the first two cards and the initial wager determine the next bets and the value. If you have a pair of tens or aces, you can make separate hands because it's next to impossible to go bust. However, with Spanish 21, which doesn't have tens, the splitting rules aren't as easy to come by, so you will have to adjust your strategy and blackjack chart accordingly. Also, European Blackjack doesn't let you split tens or queens.

On most casino floors, counting cards is considered illegal. Card counting is when players note which high-value cards, tens, and face cards have been dealt with and to whom. Furthermore, card counting isn't foolproof, and using that basic strategy based on the dealer can take some time.

Some blackjack games support playing with side bets. Besides the 21+3 side bet, insurance bets are a strategy that costs more than the original because if the dealer hits 21, you only lose half your budget instead of the whole thing. However, the house advantage for insurance bets is extremely high and not usually part of a basic blackjack strategy chart. When using a blackjack strategy, you might consider using flat betting, which calls for gambling the same amount of money regardless of the bet or what the dealer's upcard shows.

Like roulette, a blackjack basic strategy might involve betting systems like the Martingale, which calls for doubling the size of the original bet if you lose, or the Reverse Martingale, which calls for doubling a bet after you win.

How do Blackjack Strategies Work?

A blackjack strategy is meant to be a guide or a stepping stone to help you make the highest percentage bet possible by basic blackjack rules. Because at the casino the house always has the edge, a blackjack basic strategy can help to recommend sticking with your current hand, or double down your bet if the dealer's upcard reflects a certain value.

While there isn't a perfect blackjack strategy, sometimes players, especially new ones, need a reference on when to split or surrender their hands to play another round if a variant like Blackjack X-change supports the option. A basic blackjack strategy varies based on variants like Pontoon and Multi-Deck Blackjack, which have additional rules. However, the basic strategy applies to American Blackjack, which has an RTP beginning at 99%.

Beginner-friendly game charts

For blackjack beginners, a blackjack strategy chart is designed to take you from A to Z about when to hit and split. For example, with a value of eight, always hit while standing with a hand worth at least 17. A basic strategy chart encourages you to double down if the dealer's upcard is worth ten or less and you have a hand worth up to ten.

Single Deck Blackjack basic strategy

When playing blackjack with a single deck, blackjack charts are especially helpful in determining what to do with hard and soft hands. The basic strategy is to hit if your first two cards are worth eight or less. With a single deck and if you have tens, the rule of thumb is to stand while always splitting aces.

When to/ What is doubling down

Doubling down in blackjack is a basic strategy where you can boost the initial bet two-fold while drawing an additional card. Usually, if the initial two cards add up between nine and eleven, the rule of thumb is to double down. Once you double down, you are forced to stand throughout the playing hand.

Card Counting

Just like casinos keep a keen eye on cheaters, they also do so for card counters. Counting cards is a frowned-upon strategy where players make mental notes on which cards have been dealt and to whom, specifically premium cards like aces, tens, and face cards. It doesn't work out so well with multi-table play because it's hard to keep track of all the cards and the dealer simultaneously. While some skills are involved, a gambler's fallacy is to convince yourself that this is all you need to play and win money.

Hole Carding

Some blackjack players turn to hole carding to outdo the dealer by figuring out the value of the dealer's hole card. If successful, players can better make a winning bet. Some hole carding techniques call for looking for lapses in the dealer's concentration where they accidentally reveal the hole card, edge sorting, or misdealing. However, use hole carding at your own risk because many casinos will view you as a cheater if you do so.

Making a Blackjack Strategy Chart

Coming up with a blackjack basic strategy chart is much simpler than you think. There are several high-authority websites where you can download a template to get a jumpstart on how to play backjack. When creating the strategy chart and highlighting scenarios to double down, hit, and stand, don't forget to mark points about when to surrender so you only lose half your current winnings. If you have a hard 16 or 15 against the dealer's upcard worth ten or ace, you might leave room on the chart to surrender. Also, the more decks you play with, the less effective basic strategy charts become.

How to Read a Blackjack Chart

The essence of a blackjack chart is based on your card value and the dealer's face-up card when to double down, stand, or surrender if the rules allow. While some variants differ, the basic blackjack strategy chart remains the same. Consider using the chart only with games with a single deck and very few side bets for best use. Side bets like the insurance bet take away from the true odds and dampen your chances of winning. Because you can play blackjack up to eight decks, the solid definitions for hard and soft hands might change. Furthermore, keeping up with all the cards from multiple decks is harder.

Usually, you can bank on the dealer having to stand firm on a soft 17, but same variants might relax that rule. While having a chart is a nice crutch, once you sit at the table, you're going to have to go by memory, so remember to do the best you can and make the best bet based on the odds and conventional blackjack wisdom on hard and soft hands, and splitting aces.

Single Deck Blackjack Charts

Even when playing blackjack from one deck, most live dealers and blackjack tables use a multi deck system to manage the shuffling and dealing. Also, with multi deck blackjack comes the opportunity of a mini hi-low system, which leads to card counting based on the point system on the category of cards. Your strategy charts should encourage hitting with hands worth eight or less and standing at seventeen or more.

Deviations

Some casinos have variations like Spanish 21, Pontoon, Vegas Strip, and Atlantic Blackjack, which impact strategy cards. So, you can't rely 100% on charts to avoid blackjack mistakes because, in some cases, like in European Blackjack, the dealer doesn't deal themselves a second card until all the players have made their moves.

Betting Patterns

American Blackjack is the perfect entry game for new players to get their feet wet and a soft introduction to 21. However, more skilled players might play other variants requiring an understanding of different betting systems, which might call for a betting strategy like the Paroli. While betting methods are helpful, becoming addicted to them can cause you to tap out, especially if you keep losing. Use responsible betting habits to get the most out of your blackjack experience with any betting method you use or don't use.

When Should I Stand, Double Down, or Surrender?

While it's always sweet to get dealt a natural blackjack hand, the odds of that happening are not worth building a strategy around. Instead, following these expert blackjack tips on the most common game scenarios can help you match wits with the dealer and position yourself to at least win even money.

Stand on 17

Standing is the best way to win the game if your initial cards add up to seventeen or more. If you double down with seventeen or more, greatly boosts your chance of going bust and losing your entire playing hand, even if the dealer must stand pat on a soft 17.

Double Down on 11s

Even if you have a hand worth eleven and you draw an ace, you won't go bust because it would count for one point. So, if you're rolling with an eleven, don't hesitate to double down and draw another card. If it is a ten, you have blackjack and win the game.

Stand Tall with Hands Worth 13, 14, 15, or 16 if the dealer card is a low number

While figuring your chart based on your cards, you can't lose sight of the dealer's upcard. Even if their card seems relatively low, their hole card probably packs a potent punch, so they're sitting pretty. If you have a strong hand between 13 and 16, you might want to stand pat and not risk going bust and having the dealer have the last laugh.

Don't Split on 10s

If the blackjack variant allows it, and you have a pair of tens, resist the urge not to split. You're already one point away from 21 with two tens, so standing pat is best. Furthermore, if you split tens, there's no guarantee that your new hands will be that strong and put you closer to winning the game. Also, if the dealer's face-up card is high-value, splitting tens might have you losing ground.

Split aces

Never waste a chance to split aces. When doing so, each ace counts for eleven points, so you don't have to worry about going bust. If you must draw a ten with the next, at least one hand is a blackjack winner.

Don't take the insurance bet

While tempting, taking the insurance bet can cost you more in the long run. Insurance bets only come into play if the dealer hits 21, so if that's not the case, you stand to lose a good amount of money, even if you win.

8 always hits

Eight is a favorable scenario because even if the dealer's face-up card is formidable, you can match the dealer when you hit. In this scenario, even if you draw an ace, you would be at 19, or if you draw a ten or a face card, you will be at 18 and in prime position to come out ahead against the house.

10 Blackjack Terms You Need to Know

When playing online, you might come across blackjack glossaries that teach you essential terms and how to play, or you can rely on the Action Network's in-depth blackjack glossary to help lead you to the finish line. To help new players and even seasoned players, here are some common terms you need to know to master blackjack.

• Action: What a player does, like doubling down or standing, is the action during the game.

• Advantage: Because the player goes against the casino, the advantage highlights who will likely win the game.

• Bust: One of the reasons for using a basic strategy chart is to avoid going bust, meaning having a hand greater than 21, because it is an automatic loss.

• Camouflage: For those into card counting or other methods not approved by the house, the art disguises or camouflages what they are doing to gain an advantage.

• Expected Value: The expected value is a metric to gauge the success rate or probability of common playing decisions or bets.

• Hit: When a player draws a third card to increase their winning odds or get to 21.

• Doubling Down: At least boost the original wager two-fold and draw a final card during the round.

• Push: The result when the player and the dealer have the same hand value. Unlike baccarat, you can't bet on the tie.

• Shoe: This is where the dealer passes out the cards to all the players.

• Surrender: If you decide your hand is too weak to win and you don't want to lose the whole shebang, tap out the playing round to hold onto at least half your money.

How Do Hard and Soft Totals Work?

The essence of valuing blackjack hands is appropriately understanding the main categories: soft and hard hands. Mastering these fundamental categories will make or break your blackjack experience and get the most out of your chart.

Soft Hand

A soft hand has at least an ace. In this scenario, the ace counts for eleven points, and the second card carries its inherited value. In the case of two aces, the second one counts for a point. Therefore, a dealer with an ace and a six has a soft 17 hand and must stand.

Hard Hand

You're building a hard hand for hands that don't lead off with an ace. The aces later count for one point.

What Basic Blackjack Strategy Can I Trust?

To help play and get the most out of blackjack, well before the modern-day computer age, mathematicians and strategists used adding machines in the late 1950s to develop crude blackjack charts to help players overcome the house edge. Professor Thorp, another mathematician, wrote in the early 1960s "Beat the Dealer," which, among tips for best play, touched on counting cards. As technology improved, so did computerized models for finding the best odds at succeeding at blackjack.

Choosing the Right Blackjack Game

Hopefully, you found some practice play at one of the best blackjack online sites and had a chance to put a basic strategy to practical use. You can excel with these next-level blackjack terms when you feel like you've got the chops and the hanging of the chart play.

Blackjack Pays 3:2

The thrill of getting a natural blackjack hand leads to the 3:2 payout ratio for classic blackjack. However, some variants sweeten the pot with rations as high as 6:5, but it normally comes with a greater casino advantage.

Double Downs

After placing the first bet and getting two dealt cards, most variants support upping the wager in exchange for getting one final card during the round.

Dealer Stands on Soft 17 

Most blackjack variants require the dealer to stand at a soft 17 when they have an ace and a six.

Blackjack Strategies for Different Game Variants

While American Blackjack is the staple at most online and retail casinos, you might run into these exciting and rewarding variants.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

With multi-hand blackjack, you don't have to wait for one game to end to begin playing the next game because you play at multiple tables simultaneously. While keeping up with the chart is more challenging, making the dealer's upcard at each table should be the focal point, along with smaller wagers.

Blackjack Switch

Because players can switch cards with a couple of hands, it's important to apply this basic strategy to focus on having a high card in one hand to help guide you on when to make the switch for a better hand, especially if the second hand has a low point total. Also, the dealer's face-up card applies to both high and low strategies.

Lucky Lucky Blackjack

Because Lucky Lucky Blackjack is rich with side bets, it can be challenging to create a chart that factors the specific card value of the dealer's upcard and the value of the player's hand to win. Also, the payout ratios vary depending on the winning hand.

Atlantic City blackjack

With Atlantic City Blackjack, because players can double down with any pair and have three chances to split, the basic blackjack chart doesn't apply in many areas. The rule of thumb is not to split into tens so that it can be factored into the chart. However, you can't split aces here, so trying to get blackjack with two split hands with aces doesn't apply here.

Spanish 21

Due to the lack of tens, Spanish 21 works with 48 cards in a single deck. But if you get 21 with different combinations, the payouts vary. Also, Spanish 21 allows players to take back the double-down bet after doubling down.

Best Live Blackjack Games

If you're ready to match wits with a professional blackjack dealer, there's no shortage of compelling live dealer challenges. Through the official apps or web browser, you have 24/7 live dealer access to playing blackjack with these high-profile online casinos.

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Fortune Coins Casino is another excellent platform for playing blackjack, offering both traditional and unique variations to keep the game refreshing. Additionally, sweepstakes casinos and social casinos like Pulsz Casino offer a variety of casino games from online slots to table games. 

Why Choose Online Blackjack Games Over Other Options?

Compared to online poker, online baccarat has a good share of variants that present interesting twists and winning chances and the chance to count cards. If you're thinking about online blackjack, consider these compelling reasons:

1. Easy to understand the basic rules

2. Offers great payouts, especially for natural blackjack hands

3. Offers flexible bets

Where is online blackjack legal?

Online blackjack is currently legal in CT, DE, MI, NJ, PA, WV & RI. Learn more about:

• Connecticut Online Casinos

• Delaware Online Casinos

• Michigan Online Casinos

• New Jersey Online Casinos

• Pennsylvania Online Casinos

• Rhode Island Online Casinos

• West Virginia Online Casinos