- \n
- H: Hit<\/li>\n
- S: Stand<\/li>\n
- D: Double down (if not allowed, hit)<\/li>\n
- P: Split<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n<\/p>\n*Splitting 4s<\/h3>\n
You should only split 4s when you’re playing a blackjack variation that let’s you double down after splitting. Otherwise, you should never split 4s.<\/p>\n
Online Blackjack Strategy Guide<\/h2>\n
The table above illustrates how to play each possible hand of blackjack. Below, we’ve covered this strategy in written format for anyone who wants to better understand the basic blackjack strategy.<\/p>\n
When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack<\/h3>\n
In blackjack<\/a>, the player’s primary goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. Players should always hit on a hand of 11 or less, as they cannot bust and only stand a chance to improve their hand. Conversely, standing on 17 or more is advised because the risk of busting is high, and such hands are strong enough to potentially win. For hands between 12 and 16, the decision to hit or stand depends on the dealer’s up card. Generally, if the dealer shows a 7 or higher, hitting is advisable, as the dealer has a strong chance of achieving a high hand.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Hit on a hand of 11 or less.<\/li>\n
- Stand on a hand of 17 or more.<\/li>\n
- Don’t Stand on a hand of 11 or less.<\/li>\n
- Don’t Hit on a hand of 17 or more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Doubling Down<\/h3>\n
Doubling down allows players to double their bet in exchange for one additional card. This move is advantageous when the player has a total of 10 or 11, particularly if this total is higher than the dealer’s up card, as the chances of achieving a high total with one more card are good. Doubling on soft hands (hands with an ace) can also be beneficial, particularly in the range of soft 13 to soft 18, as the ace’s flexibility offers a safety net.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Double down on a total of 10 or 11 if it’s more than the dealer’s up card.<\/li>\n
- Consider doubling down on soft 13-18.<\/li>\n
- Don’t duble down in any other situation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Splitting Pairs<\/h3>\n
Splitting pairs can turn one hand into two, offering a chance to double potential winnings or recover from a weak hand. Always split aces and 8s; aces offer a chance of blackjack in two hands, while 8s help avoid the notoriously weak 16. However, splitting 10s or 5s is generally discouraged; 10s already form a strong hand, while 5s offer better potential as a single hand rather than two weak hands. Other pairs should be split based on the dealer’s up card, aiming to maximize potential winnings against the dealer’s weaker cards.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Always split aces and 8s.<\/li>\n
- Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s in favorable situations<\/li>\n
- Don’t split 10s and 5s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is a simple chart, for a more extensive review check out When Should You Split in Blackjack<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Soft Hands<\/h3>\n
Soft hands contain an ace counted as 11, providing flexibility. With soft 17<\/a> or less, hitting is generally the best option, as the ace’s flexibility prevents busting and offers a chance to improve the hand. For soft 18, players usually stand, except when facing a dealer’s 9, 10, or ace, where hitting might lead to a stronger total.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Always hit on soft 17 or less.<\/li>\n
- Stand on soft 18, except hit against a dealer’s 9, 10, or ace.<\/li>\n
- Don’t stand on soft 17 or less<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Should I take Insurance in Blackjack?<\/h2>\n
No. We get it \u2013 when you decline insurance, the dealer always APPEARS<\/strong> to roll over a blackjack.<\/p>\n
But hard statistics don’t lie \u2013 the probability of a dealer blackjack is only 31%, so taking insurance is a negative expected value move.<\/p>\n
So don’t listen to the table (or that nagging voice in your head). In the long run, you’ll gain by declining insurance every time.<\/p>\n
Decline Even Money Payouts on BJs Versus a Dealer Ace<\/h3>\n
A Blackjack versus a dealer ten presents a unique dilemma. Sure, you have an unbeatable hand, but if the dealer also turns over a blackjack, you push (i.e., you get your money back, which means NO<\/strong> profit).<\/p>\n
So to “guarantee” you’ll make money, the dealer will offer you a 1\/1 payout over the usual 3\/2.<\/p>\n
Do NOT<\/strong> take this deal. The probability of a dealer Blackjack is only 31% – 31% of the time you’ll break even, and get paid at 3\/2 69% of the time (nice).<\/p>\n
So if you take the even money payout, you’ll sacrifice 50% of your BJ profits \u2013 that’s a LOT<\/strong> of money over the long run.<\/p>\n
When Should I Surrender in Blackjack?<\/h2>\n
Surrendering allows a player to forfeit half their bet to avoid playing out a hand. This option is particularly useful when holding a 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or ace, or a 15 against a dealer’s 10. Surrendering in these scenarios can minimize losses over the long run.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Surrender 16 against dealer’s 9, 10, or ace, and 15 against dealer’s 10.<\/li>\n
- Never surrender without looking at the dealer’s up card, no matter your cards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
More Blackjack Tips<\/h2>\n
There are a couple of general tips and tricks for playing blackjack that you should also be aware of. These are not a part of the basic strategy, but still good to remember.<\/p>\n
Choose Variants That Use Less Decks<\/h3>\n
The more decks used in a Blackjack game<\/a>, the fatter the house edge.<\/p>\n
So, to minimize the house’s advantage, play Blackjack titles that use as few decks as possible. Doing this increases your odds of drawing a Ten or Face card in double-down situations.<\/p>\n
Pushing these thin edges will reduce your long-term losses and slightly increase your short-term probability of hitting a winning hand\/blackjack.<\/p>\n
Take Advantage of Blackjack Bonuses<\/h3>\n
To attract and retain customers, most online casinos offer welcome bonuses<\/a>. But while many of these target slot players, Blackjack-specific bonuses do exist.<\/p>\n
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