Whether you’re betting at an online casino or a land-based one, you’ll likely find Blackjack among the offerings. This game boasts one of the largest player bases in the gambling world.
While the rules of Blackjack are simple, winning requires more than just luck—you need a strategy. Below, Phwin shares some effective techniques to help you beat the dealer and increase your odds of success!
What is Blackjack?
Before diving into strategies, let’s first clarify what Blackjack is. Also called “21”, Blackjack is a card game that originated in 19th-century France, where it was known as “Vingt-et-un”. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck (excluding Jokers), and players compete against the dealer to determine the winner based on card totals.
The goal is to achieve a total card value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible. Exceeding 21 results in an automatic loss. Both players and the dealer start with two cards and can choose to draw additional cards to improve their totals. Players can draw up to five additional cards.
The gameplay is straightforward, and each round progresses quickly, making it a favorite among casino enthusiasts. Today, Blackjack is widely available in both traditional casinos and online platforms, catering to a global audience.
Top Techniques for Winning at Blackjack
Winning at Blackjack requires more than just luck. Below are some expert strategies you can use to outsmart the dealer:
1. Card Counting
Card counting is a popular technique that can significantly boost your chances of winning. The Hi/Lo and True Count systems are the most widely used among the various card-counting methods.
Hi/Lo Method
The Hi/Lo (High/Low) method is a straightforward way to track card values:
- Assign +1 to cards 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
- Assign 0 to cards 7, 8, and 9.
- Assign -1 to cards 10, J, Q, K, and Ace.
For example:
- If you receive cards 4 and 5, your count is +1 and +1, respectively.
- Player A has cards Q and 8, which are -1 and 0.
- The dealer shows a 2 and has one hidden card, which adds +1 to the count.
The running total is +1 (4) +1 (5) -1 (Q) +0 (8) +1 (dealer 2) = +2.
This suggests the deck is favorable for the player. However, no conclusion can be drawn until the dealer’s hidden card is revealed and additional cards are drawn.
As more cards are dealt, you continue adjusting the count. Suppose the player draws an 8 (0), and the dealer’s hidden card is revealed as a 3 (+1). The dealer then draws a 5 (+1) and an 8 (0), making the new count +3.
In subsequent rounds, continue the count from where you left off, starting the next round at +3. A higher count generally means the deck favors the player.
True Count Method
While the Hi/Lo method is effective, it can sometimes be inaccurate. For a more precise approach, the True Count method is recommended, especially for higher-stakes play. This method incorporates the remaining decks in play.
To calculate the True Count:
- Divide the Hi/Lo count by the number of remaining decks in play.
- Estimate how many decks are left based on what’s been dealt.
Example:
If your Hi/Lo count is +8, and two decks have already been dealt out of a six-deck shoe:
- Four decks remain.
- True Count = 8 ÷ 4 = +2.
Each +1 in the True Count corresponds to approximately a 0.5% advantage for the player. A higher True Count increases your chances of winning. With proper strategy, you can maximize winnings when the True Count is favorable.
Betting Strategy with True Count
Adjust your wagers based on the True Count:
- True Count +2 or +3: Bet 2x your base wager.
- True Count +4 or +5: Bet 3x your base wager.
- True Count +6 or +7: Bet 4x your base wager.
- True Count +8 or higher: Bet 5x your base wager.
While effective, card counting can be challenging for beginners. Additionally, this technique is better suited for traditional casinos than online platforms due to the automated shuffling used in most online games.
=> Read more: What is Bull Bull? Rules and Winning Tips at Phwin
Playing Blackjack Using a Strategy Chart
Expert Blackjack players often create their own strategy charts to determine the best possible action in any given scenario. These charts can be used both in traditional casinos and online platforms, offering guidance on the optimal decisions to make.
A standard Blackjack strategy chart is typically divided into four sections:
- Hard Hands
- Soft Hands
- Pairs
- Surrender
Understanding the Chart Components
Hard and Soft Hands
These sections provide guidance on how to respond based on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card.
- Hard Hands: A hand without an Ace or where the Ace counts as 1.
- Soft Hands: A hand with an Ace that counts as 11.
The chart helps you decide whether to Hit, Stand, or Double Down in these situations:
- H (Hit): Draw an additional card.
- S (Stand): Stop drawing cards.
- D (Double Down): Double your original bet and draw one final card, with no further actions allowed.
For example:
- If you have a hard hand like 9-8 or a soft hand like A-5, find your hand value on the X-axis of the chart.
- Match it to the dealer’s face-up card along the Y-axis.
- Follow the recommended action in the corresponding box (H, S, or D).
Continue following these instructions until your hand reaches a Stand decision or your total exceeds 21.
Note: The chart does not typically account for hands above 17, as Blackjack rules dictate that any hand of 18 or higher should automatically Stand.
Pairs (Splitting)
The Pairs section of the chart tells you whether to split your cards when you have a pair (e.g., 5-5, 7-7, or A-A).
- Y (Yes): Split the pair into two separate hands.
- N (No): Do not split.
- Y/N (Yes/No): Split if the casino allows doubling down after splitting; otherwise, do not split.
Example:
If you receive two identical cards, such as 7-7, refer to the chart for splitting guidance. Once split, each card forms the base of a new hand, and you can then use the “Hard Hands” and “Soft Hands” sections of the chart to decide your next move.
If your two initial cards are not a pair, skip this section of the chart entirely.
Surrender (Optional)
The Surrender section only applies if the casino or platform offers late surrender. This allows you to forfeit half of your bet to avoid a total loss when the odds are unfavorable.
- SUR (Surrender): Opt to surrender and minimize losses.
- N (No): Do not surrender; proceed with the hand.
This section is typically used to mitigate potential losses in challenging situations. If surrender is not available, disregard this part of the chart.
=> Read more: Popular Baccarat Variations at Online Casinos -Phwin
How to Use the Strategy Chart
Like Baccarat, using a strategy chart ensures that your decisions are based on mathematical probabilities rather than guesswork. Here’s how to apply it during a game:
- Refer to the Hard Hands or Soft Hands section to identify your next move based on your initial cards.
- Check the Pairs section if your starting hand is a pair.
- Consider the Surrender option if it’s available and applicable to the situation.
With practice, consulting the chart becomes second nature, allowing you to make informed decisions and increase your odds of winning.
Advanced Blackjack Techniques Every Player Should Master
Card Memorization – A Key Blackjack Skill
One critical skill to enhance your Blackjack gameplay is card memorization. This involves remembering the cards dealt to yourself, the dealer, and other players. By tracking these cards, you can estimate which cards are most likely to appear next.
For example:
- If several high-value cards (10, J, Q, K, A) have already been played, the remaining deck is likely to contain lower-value cards.
- Conversely, if more low-value cards have been dealt, the odds increase for high-value cards to appear.
This awareness allows you to make informed decisions on whether to draw another card or stand.
Insurance Bets When the Dealer Has an Ace
If the dealer’s first face-up card is an Ace, you should consider placing an insurance bet. This side bet protects against the dealer achieving Blackjack (Ace + a 10-point card).
- If the dealer has Blackjack, your insurance bet wins, though you lose the main bet.
- The payout for insurance bets is 2:1, and the wager amount is half of your original bet.
While this option can mitigate losses in unfavorable rounds, it’s advisable to use it cautiously and strategically.
Doubling Down with a Strong Hand
If your initial two cards total a high score (e.g., 9 or 10), doubling down can maximize your potential winnings. Doubling down involves doubling your original bet in exchange for one final card, after which no further actions are allowed.
=> Read more: Improve Your Chances Of Winning Scratchcards with 9 Tips
Ideal scenarios for doubling down:
- Your hand totals 9, 10, or 11 points, increasing the likelihood of reaching 21 with a single high-value card.
- You are confident the dealer’s potential hand is weaker.
When to Stop Drawing Cards
- Stop at 18 or Higher: If your total score is 18 or more, avoid drawing further cards. The risk of busting (exceeding 21) outweighs the potential reward.
- Draw Below 10: If your score is 10 or less, confidently draw additional cards, as you won’t risk busting. The highest-value cards (10, J, Q, K, A) will still keep you under 21.
When Not to Split Pairs
- Pair of 10s: A total of 20 is already close to the perfect 21. Splitting this pair reduces your chances of winning.
- Pair of 5s: Splitting results in two separate hands starting with 5 each, which are weaker compared to keeping a solid 10 and drawing one additional card.
When to Split Pairs
- Split Pairs of Aces, 2s, or 3s: Splitting creates two separate hands, giving you additional chances to win.
- For instance, splitting a pair of 3s allows you to build two hands with new cards, increasing the likelihood of reaching a strong total in at least one of them.
=> Are you looking for a reputable and top-quality casino for betting? Try our partners: Tapwin 2024.
Final Thoughts
The techniques above, shared by seasoned players, can enhance your Blackjack strategy and improve your chances of beating the dealer. Blackjack combines luck and skill, requiring players to use their intelligence and observation to outsmart the house.
Apply these strategies carefully, adapt them to the playing environment, and enjoy this exciting and strategic card game.
