Playing casino games, from blackjack at the game table to those who play online slots, being aware of strategy is key. Strategy is there in every game, even slots. However, different games have different degrees of strategy and different strategies.
Similarly, strategy applies online and in person; however, the strategy may be different in some aspects, but it still applies.
If you are a blackjack fan, you should consider your strategies because while it is a game of chance, employing strategy can help minimize the house’s advantage. Keep reading to find out what blackjack strategies could save you.
1. Always Double Down On Hard 11
You will always win more money if you double down on a hard 11 against any dealer’s up card instead of hitting. There is only one exception to this rule, however.
If you are playing a multiple-deck game where the rules state that the dealer needs to stand on a soft 17, then you may be better off hitting against a dealer’s Ace instead of choosing to double down.
2. Split 8s And Aces Pairs
The second strategy worth employing would always be to split a pair of Aces and 8s, no matter what up card the dealer has.
Most players will not split a pair of 8s if the dealer has an ace, 10, or 9 showings; oftentimes, this is because they are massively an underdog. The logic is that if they’re an underdog, why should you bet more to split?
The missed logic in this situation is that if you play two hands, especially when each begins with an 8, you will be less of an underdog than if you play a single hand with 16.
You will likely lose less money in the long run by splitting 2 8s against a 10, 9, or Ace than if you hit a hard 16.
3. Do Not Split 5s And 10s
5s as a pair is a hard 10, and you are better off taking a 1 or more card draw than splitting the 5s. Then, even though splitting 10s is more often than not a winner, keeping them as a 20 is also a great winner in every situation.
4. Hit Hard 12 Against Dealers 3 Card
Most people will stand on their 12 in fear of busting. However, if you are playing against a 2 or 3-up card, you will lose in the long run if you hit or stand, but you lose less if you hit, even if you did bust, which makes this the best choice scenario.
5. Double Down On 10 On A Dealer’s 9 Or Less Card
If you hold a 2-card 10 against any dealer card that is 9 or lower, doubling down is a good strategy in this situation. If the card is 9 or lower, and you have 2 10s, then doubling down will be your best bet.
6. Hit Ace-7 If the Dealer Has 9,10, Or An Ace
Players often think that a hand totaling 18 is a sure thing, which is why people will stand on a soft 18, especially if the dealer has a 9, 10, or an Ace.
However, if you have an Ace and 7, you are the underdog if a dealer has an Ace, 9, or 10, no matter if you choose to hit or to stand, but you will be less of an underdog if you were to hit the soft 18.
If you draw a small card, such as a 3, 2, or Ace, you get a hand higher than 18, but if you draw a 10-value card, you won’t harm your hand.
So, if you have an ace and a 7-based 18, you should hit if the dealer has an ace, 10, or 9. It could get you a soft 19, 20, or 21, or even a hard 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21.
The only exception to this strategy is if you are playing a single-deck game with a soft 17, in which case you are better off standing on it if the dealer has an ace card.
7. If The Dealer Has To Hit 17 (Soft), Double Down On A Hard 11.
If you are playing a game in which the rules state that the dealer needs to hit a soft 18, then you should double down on a hard 11 against a dealer with an Ace, double down on a soft 19 if a dealer has a 6, and on an A-7 if the dealer has a 2.
Yet, if you play an H27 game, these are the double strategy changes you should make compared to a game with an S17 focus.
Overall
There are many different strategy options for those who play blackjack. Blackjack is a game of chance, and there are many ways a game could go; it is hard to manipulate chance.
Yet, even though it is a game of chance, you can use strategy to minimize the house edge and gain a bit of an advantage.
