The Best Ways to Play Blackjack

blackjack

There are several strategies for playing Blackjack. These include: Splitting, Doubling down, Insurance, and Soft 17 to name a few. In addition to maximizing your winnings, you should understand the risks involved in each of these decisions. By following these strategies, you will be well on your way to winning. A basic strategy consists of playing a hand with a pair of 10s. Similarly, playing a pair of aces is a good idea.

Splitting

When should you split a blackjack hand? Most blackjack devotees would agree that splitting pairs is a fun way to play. However, this strategy is actually based on statistical expectation, so there are some situations when it might not be a wise move. To learn the right times to split hands, read through the following article. It contains valuable advice for any blackjack player. Here are the conditions when splitting hands is recommended. Also, learn how to choose the right cards when splitting.

Doubling-down

In blackjack, doubling down means taking an extra card after the dealer deals you two cards. Doubling-down is riskier than hitting, but it can significantly increase your winnings. Use doubling-down carefully and only when you think your odds of winning are high. Here are some situations in which you should pause and think before doubling-down:

Insurance

Blackjack insurance was invented by casino bosses to appeal to players concerned that the dealer could have a blackjack and avoid losing their money. This side bet pays even money when the dealer’s first two cards are not face cards. Blackjack insurance costs 1.5 betting units. In many ways, blackjack insurance is like poker insurance, only you will bet against the dealer’s blackjack. Blackjack insurance isn’t a good idea if you’re a smart player.

Soft 17

You have probably come across the term “soft 17” when playing blackjack online. What is it and how does it affect the odds of winning? The basic rule of blackjack is that you hit a dealer’s upcard if you have a hand that is a total of 17, but if your hand is a lower number, you must hit instead. Thankfully, you can learn more about the soft 17 rule by reading the following information.

Hitting on a soft 17

Depending on the specific rules of the game, players can hit on a soft 17. However, this rule is not exclusive to dealers. In some blackjack variations, the dealer may hit a soft 17 to make a winning hand. The house edge when the dealer hits on a soft 17 is two-tenths of a percent, which is negligible compared to the house advantage when players stick with basic blackjack strategy.