Blackjack is quite a simple game to learn compared to other card games such as poker. There are several strategies that are used in the game such as Basic strategy, Table limits and Bankroll, Doubling down, Splitting pairs etc. There are some strategies that tip the odds more in your favor compared to others. When you are conversant with the game you will be able to tell when you have hit a bad break and change your strategy in good time. You should also know how to keep a poker face whether you know you are winning or losing. Here below is an explanation of some of the common blackjack strategies.
Basic Strategy – This is the most basic of all the strategies. You should begin with this and keep to it. You may be tempted to go with you “gut feel” but it is best to stay with the play. This technique involves playing any total value against the upcard of the dealer that will cause you to lose the least amount o money in the long run based on the rules of averages. Here is a common rule set for this strategy. Use 4 to 8 decks. The dealer will stand at soft of 17. You should double on every two cards. You may also double after a split. Only the original bets are lost to the dealer. You may surrender late.
Table Limits – Another of the blackjack strategies whereby you avoid playing at a table that has a limit greater than 5 percent. This allows you to bet longer thereby increasing your chances of winning a bet. If you have 200 dollars and you bet at a table with a limit of 20 dollars then you may lose out after only 10 bets, but if you sit at a table with a limit of 10 dollars you increase your bets to 20 hence increasing your chances of winning on bet. With this strategy you can expect to lose 5 dollars an hour at a 10 dollar limit table with a bankroll of 200 dollars.
Doubling Down – One of the blackjack strategies that increases the probability of winning. This technique allows you to reduce losses when the cards are stacked against you and maximize your winnings when the odds are in your favor. There are no other techniques that reduce your losses, than doubling down. If you get a pair of cards that have the same rank originally, then most casinos will allow you to double down. You should always double when you have an ace or a 9. Also do the same with 10 if the dealer has a 9 or less. Double with 13 to 17 if the dealer has 4 to 6.
Splitting pairs – This allows you to double your bet when you have two winning pair at a go. Only split when you think you will get an advantage by doing so. Do not split pairs that are in powers of 5 and 10 or if you are holding face cards. You should always split Aces, 7 or 8 if the dealer has a card that is equal to or less than yours. You should never split if the dealer has a 9, 10, Ace or face card. If the dealer has a 4 to a 6 then you can split and 2 or 3 that you may be having. All in all remember to always keep your cool.
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