Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack is a mental game. Many players make the same mistake of winging each hand at the table. This may seem like a beginner’s mistake, but even seasoned players suffer lapses in judgment every once in a while. Blackjack strategies give players an edge over the house that translates to more winning hands.
If you are not employing proper strategy, you are essentially giving your money away to the house. Blackjack strategies give you the tools to play an informed game. By arming yourself with strategies, you increase the odds of walking away a winner as opposed to just another player who was swindled.
This page serves as a home base for basic bj strategy. You will find short overviews of strategies that lead to your more specific coverage. In any type of gambling, being an informed player is better. Take a moment to read through our content to equip yourself with some blackjack strategies, including which ones to hold close and which ones to avoid.
Best Overall Tip For Blackjack Players In 2024
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of implementing a sound blackjack strategy, we wanted to talk about one of the most important things you can do before you even sit down at the tables which is finding a legal site to sign up with.
By playing with a reputable and legal online blackjack site such as those recommended throughout our guide, you are giving yourself the best chance to have a hassle-free experience. We guarantee all of the sites we endorse offer fair games and actually pay their players when they win.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to play with the biggest names in the industry that have a proven track record for being fair and honest. At the end of the day, it’s all sort of pointless if you end up playing at a rogue site that exists merely to steal your money with no intention of paying out any winnings.
And trust me, there are more rogue sites on the internet than there are reputable. So a little research and due diligence will go a long way in helping you stay safe and ensure your online gambling experiences are enjoyable.
Tips For Blackjack Beginners
It is impossible to be an effective player without having an understanding of the game. There is no shame in admitting you do not how to play 21. If anything, blindly playing at a brick-and-mortar or online table looks worse. This first article covers the basics of blackjack. You will learn how hands are dealt and how rounds are conducted.
We discuss hand options like taking insurance, doubling down and splitting, which are all essential tools to playing the game. There is even information on some things to avoid during a blackjack hand, like doubling down when the dealer has a face card, for example. Or, never splitting aces.
Simple observations go a long way in the game of blackjack. Lastly, you will find a brief explanation of the simple strategy, which gives players 5 potential scenarios and what to do in each of them. For players new to the game, our tips for blackjack beginners article is a great starting point.
Knowing Your Hand Gives You The Upper Hand
Once you feel confident in your understanding of the game, take a moment to read our article on different hands you may come across. Avid players should know the difference between hard and soft hands—and what to do with each.
For example, for hand totals between 13 and 16, it is suggested you take a hit when the dealer is showing a 7 or higher as their upcard. They should also understand the concepts of splitting hands and doubling down. Did you know you should always split aces and 8s? You can find information like this in our second featured article knowing your hand gives you the upper hand.
Blackjack Strategies You Should Avoid
When it comes to black jack, there are several misconceptions that have been adopted by players. Some players believe that certain actions will pan out favorably, but the truth is you should avoid them. For example, you should never mimic the dealer.
You should not always hit on a total of 11 or less as a rule of thumb. You do not always have to take insurance. Blackjack is a situational game, and as with most situations, there are multiple options. Players should avoid pigeonholing themselves into one course of action.
There are also betting strategies, like the Martingale, that should be avoided. You can learn more about these taboo rules in our third article blackjack strategies you should avoid.
FAQs
Are These Strategies Guaranteed?
No. There are no surefire black jack strategies that will guarantee a winning hand each time. These strategies merely help to inform players on their potential hand situations, both in respect to their hand and the dealer’s hand.
Don’t Some Strategies Favor The House?
You should expect the house to be favored in each hand you play. Actions like splitting, doubling down and insurance are designed to favor the house. This does not mean they can’t help the player. When implemented correctly, blackjack strategies can go a long way.
Can I Play Without Using Strategies?
Of course. However, would you consider it wise for a professional football team to walk out onto the field without some type of strategy in place? Strategies are tools. You can ask seasoned 21 players and they will tell you that blackjack strategies are an integral part of the game. By not adopting them, you are limiting yourself as a player.