How to Use Basic Blackjack Strategy
The objective of Blackjack is to beat the dealer. If either the player or the dealer busts, they both lose the game. However, in some circumstances, the player and dealer can have the same point value. This is known as a push, and it means neither the player nor the dealer wins. This makes blackjack unique in that each player plays against the dealer in his or her own game. In other words, the dealer can lose to one player and win against another.
Basic strategy
When you are playing blackjack, learning basic strategy is crucial. In blackjack, the house edge is about 0.50 percent, which means the casino will win around $0.50 for every $100 bet placed. Unskilled players will have an edge of as much as 2.5 percent, or $2.50. By following simple strategies, you will reduce the house edge. Here are some ways to use basic blackjack strategy:
Side bets
Aside from standard blackjack, there are other types of side bets in the game. Perfect pairs is one example. If you get a pair of cards on your first two hands, you’ll win the perfect pairs side bet. If you win the bet, you’ll receive 25/1 if the first two cards are of the same value. Colored pairs is another example, with a payout of 12:1 for the same-suited cards and 5:1 for two-card pairs. The 21+3 bet combines the first three cards dealt by the dealer with the dealer’s face-up card. The winnings depend on the value of the cards, but can be as high as 115:1.
Insurance
In blackjack, insurance is an option available to players after all hands are dealt. Generally, if the dealer has an Ace, insurance is offered. The dealer will ask each player if they wish to take insurance. If a player agrees, the dealer checks to see if the down-card is a blackjack. If it is, the player loses his original bet but wins his insurance bet. However, if a player has a natural blackjack, insurance pays out.
Dealer’s blackjack
Taking insurance against dealer’s blackjack is an incredibly popular strategy, but it is also extremely risky. Many casinos encourage you to do so, but if you have a good hand, you should avoid it. In other words, you shouldn’t assume that the dealer has a 10 in the hole. Then again, you might just get lucky and get one! Here are some tips to avoid dealer’s blackjack insurance:
Splitting
When you receive two identical cards of the same denomination, you can choose to split them into two separate hands. You will place a standard bet on each hand, doubling your initial wager. Then, you will work each card individually as if it were a separate hand. This strategy is useful when you have a pair of twos and threes. However, if you have a pair of sixes or tens, you should not split.
Doubling down
When to double down in blackjack is an important decision to make in the game. Doubling down in blackjack is always advantageous for players with a strong hand. A weak upcard will result in a bust, but a high-value card will increase your chances of winning. For instance, doubling down with a 10 against the dealer’s 9 will lead to a win. If you have a total of nine or ten, you should hit.
Surrender
A basic strategy player should know when to surrender. If the dealer has a soft seventeen or an ace, the best bet is to surrender. If the dealer has a lower total, such as a nine or a ten, a surrender is not a wise decision. But there are exceptions. Here are some tips that can help you choose the right time to surrender. A blackjack surrender is a good option when you have an ace or a ten.