Blackjack Strategy

The most important thing to remember when looking at different blackjack strategies is to remember that the rules of the blackjack game differ between variation to variation and therefore you need to be clear in your mind of which variation you are playing before you start working on your strategy. Some players like to play Blackjack with the minimum amount of decks in the game; this lets them count the cards that are used and helps them to predict what the next card will be. Counting cards today, is done by giving each card a point and the points are added up, rather than having to try and remember each card that was drawn. The variations of Blackjack with the low number of decks tend to have lower advantages in other areas, such as no splitting or Double Down. Splitting allows two cards of the same value to be split therefore creating a further equal bet. Double Down allows the player to double his bet and draw one more card only.

Specific Blackjack Strategies for Each Game

Card counting used to be the most popular strategy used for Blackjack players in the old fashioned red brick casinos. But with online casinos which are generated by random number generators, the card counting techniques are not as popular. Adopting specific blackjack strategies per game are much more popular and have a proven success rate. For example, if the dealer draws a 7 or more, the player should keep drawing cards until he reaches at least 17. This should be a hard 17, a hard 17 is one where there is no Ace that is counted as 11. If the dealer draws a 6 or less, the player should keep drawing cards until he reaches at least 12 and then stop. A player should only split Aces and eights giving him an equal chance of winning the further hands.

Common Sense and Blackjack Strategy Charts

There are numerous blackjack strategy charts that have been devised which tell you when to hit and when to stand, when to split and when to double down depending on the type of game you are playing and the number of decks involved. These charts can be memorized or referred to during any game. But if you study the charts you will see that they are based on common sense. For example if you draw between 17-20 you should obviously stand whereas if you draw between 5-8 you should hit as you are far away from 21. How to act with the grey areas of numbers 9-16 are purely dependant on the type of game you are playing and what the dealer's card is. If you draw a 12 and the dealer has anything from a 7 to an Ace you should hit as your probability of winning is much higher. Whereas if you have a 10 or 11 and the dealer has anything from a 2 to a 10, you should double down if the option is available to try and get double your bet. These basic blackjack strategies have been proven correct time and time again.



Choosing the best strategy also has to go alongside sensible play, make sure you have a set bankroll and keep a note of your winnings so that know how you are progressing. You can also play free blackjack to practice your game and strategy and check out how you are doing before you put any money on blackjack. Blackjack is the one game where you can really make a difference, take your time before you make your move and don't be under pressure to always win. Make sure you can enjoy your game also and if you are on a winning streak then remember to end the game on a high.