Blackjack Tips and Strategies

Basic Blackjack Strategy

There is a fine line between games of chance and games of skill. According to the experts, by learning an easy strategy, it may possibly swing the odds in your favour. This is the merging of science and luck, to form an art called "Basic Strategy"

This is a system that lets you play every possible hand in the best way, and is not difficult to master. The Strategy is based on the fact that in every deck there are more cards with a value of 10 than any other. In a 52 card deck, there are 16 cards that have a value of 10. (4 10's, 4 jacks, 4 queens, 4 kings).

A player must always assume that the dealer's second card could be 10. Keeping that in mind, they can look at the dealer's 'up' card and place his hand into one of 2 categories : 1 Hands that are most likely to bust the Dealer. 2 Hands that are most likely to give the Dealer a good outcome.

Hands that Could Bust the Dealer:

If the Dealers 'Up' card is a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 he is likely to bust himself if the 2nd card is a 10.

The 5 and 6 cards are the cards most likely to bust the Dealer. If this is the case, you dont need to get as close to 21 as possible, just avoid busting yourself !

Hands that Could give the Dealer a Good Outcome:

If the Dealer is showing a 7 or anything higher as his 'Up' card, there is a chance he will make a good hand of 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21.

If you have a hand with a value lower than 17, you might need to be aggressive in beating the Dealer.

When to Hit or Stand:

You should Hit if your hand is 11 or Less. You cannot bust yourself, and the extra card can be of help. Hit if your hand is 12 to 16 and the Dealer has a 7 or more showing. There is a risk of busting, but you have to assume that the Dealer has better odds of winning.

You should Stand if you hand is 17 or more, and the Dealer is not showing a 7 or higher. Stand if you hand is 12 to 16 and the Dealer has an 'Up' card that is likely to bust him. The only Exception is : Hit when you have 12 and the Dealer is showing a 2 or 3. You can play more aggressively if you are holding a Soft Ace (with a value of one).