Are you ready to take your online blackjack game to the next level? Look no further, as this ultimate guide to blackjack strategy will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to become a pro at this classic casino game. From basic rules to advanced strategies, we’ve got you covered.
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, both in brick and mortar establishments and online. With its simple rules and fast-paced action, it appeals to players of all skill levels. However, to truly excel at the game, you need more than just luck on your side. That’s where a solid blackjack strategy comes into play.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about blackjack strategy, including basic rules, different variations, and advanced techniques. So, let’s shuffle up and get started!
1. Understanding the Basic Rules of Blackjack
Before diving into advanced strategies, it’s important to have a good grasp of the basic rules of blackjack. The game is played with one or more decks of cards, with each deck consisting of 52 cards. The objective is to beat the dealer by getting a hand with a higher total value without going over 21.
Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the player more in the given situation.
The game begins with the dealer dealing two cards to each player, including themselves. One of the dealer’s cards is dealt face-up, while the other is dealt face-down. Players then have the option to “hit” (receive another card) or “stand” (keep their current hand).
If a player’s hand exceeds 21, they bust and lose the round. On the other hand, if their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, they win. If the player and dealer both have the same hand, it’s a tie.
2. Different Variations of Blackjack
While the basic rules of blackjack remain the same across all variations, there are some slight differences that can affect your strategy. Here are three popular variations of blackjack and how they differ from the original game:
a. European Blackjack
European blackjack is played with two decks of cards, and the dealer only receives one card at the start of the round. This variation also has a “no hole card” rule, which means the dealer doesn’t reveal their second card until after all players have made their moves. In this variation, players cannot split their hands more than once.
b. American Blackjack
American blackjack is similar to the European version, but it is played with six to eight decks of cards. The dealer receives two cards at the start, one face-up and one face-down. In this variation, players can surrender their hand before receiving any additional cards.
c. Spanish 21
In Spanish 21, all the 10s are removed from the deck, making it a 48-card game. Players also have the option to double down on any number of cards, rather than just their initial two cards. This variation also offers various bonuses for certain combinations, such as a five-card 21, 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 of mixed suits, and more.
3. Basic Blackjack Strategy
Now that you understand the basics and know the different variations of blackjack, it’s time to dive into some strategies. The first and most important strategy to remember is to always follow the basic blackjack strategy chart. This chart provides the recommended move for every possible hand combination.
a. Hit or Stand
The most common decision in blackjack is whether to hit or stand. When your hand is under 12, you should always hit since there is no risk of going over 21. From 13-16, it’s recommended to hit if the dealer’s up-card is 7 or higher. However, if the dealer’s up-card is 6 or lower, it’s better to stand and hope the dealer busts.
If your hand is 17 or higher, it’s generally best to stand. However, if the dealer’s up-card is a 7 or higher, you should hit on a 17. The only exception to this rule is if you have a soft 17 (hand containing an ace), in which case you should always hit.
b. Doubling Down
Doubling down allows players to double their initial bet in exchange for receiving only one more card. This move is recommended when your hand adds up to 11 and the dealer’s up-card is less than 11, or when you have a soft 16-18 and the dealer’s up-card is 5 or 6.
It’s also recommended to double down with a hard 9 if the dealer’s up-card is 3, 4, 5, or 6. In general, doubling down should be avoided when facing an ace, as the chances of the dealer having a blackjack are higher.
c. Splitting
When dealt two cards of the same value, you have the option to split them into two separate hands. This is recommended when you have a pair of 8s or aces. It’s also a good idea to split 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s if the dealer’s up-card is less than 8.
Never split 10s, as they already make a strong hand. It’s also best to avoid splitting 4s, 5s, and face cards, as they can make strong hands on their own.
4. Advanced Blackjack Strategies
Once you have a good understanding of the basic strategy, you can move on to more advanced techniques that can further improve your chances of winning at blackjack. Here are three advanced strategies to consider:
a. Card Counting
Card counting is a popular technique used by many professional blackjack players to keep track of the high and low-value cards that have already been dealt. By doing so, players can get an idea of which cards are remaining in the deck and adjust their bets accordingly.
This strategy takes a lot of practice and concentration, and it’s not easy to pull off in online blackjack games due to the use of random number generators. However, it can be a useful skill to have if playing blackjack in a brick and mortar casino.
b. Shuffle Tracking
Shuffle tracking is another advanced strategy that involves keeping track of groups of cards instead of individual cards. The concept is to track clumps of high or low-value cards through shuffling and cut the deck when you know these clumps will come out.
Like card counting, this strategy is difficult to pull off in online blackjack but can be effective in live games.
c. Side Bets
Many online blackjack variations offer side bets that can add an extra level of excitement to the game. These bets can include options like Perfect Pairs (betting on whether your initial two cards will be a pair), 21+3 (betting on the combination of your two cards and the dealer’s up-card), and more.
Side bets can be a fun addition to your blackjack gameplay, but they also have a higher house edge than regular bets, so it’s important to use them sparingly.
5. Best Online Blackjack Casinos
Now that you have a solid grasp of blackjack strategy, it’s time to find the best online casino to put your skills to the test. Here are three of the top online casinos for blackjack:
a. Betway Casino
Betway Casino offers a wide selection of blackjack variations, including European, American, and Spanish 21. They also have a live dealer section where you can experience the excitement of playing against a real-life dealer. New players can take advantage of generous welcome bonuses, and regular players can earn rewards through their loyalty program.
b. LeoVegas Casino
LeoVegas Casino is known for its sleek and user-friendly interface, making it easy for players to navigate and enjoy their favorite games. Their blackjack selection includes variants like Double Exposure, Multi-hand, and more. They also offer a mobile app for players who prefer gaming on-the-go.
c. Casumo Casino
Casumo Casino is a popular choice among blackjack enthusiasts, with its extensive collection of blackjack games, including unique variations like Blackjack Double Xposure and Blackjack Pro High Limit. The casino also offers a rewarding loyalty program and regular promotions for its players.
6. Helpful Tips for Playing Online Blackjack
To end this ultimate guide to blackjack strategy, here are some additional tips that can help improve your overall gameplay and experience:
a. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any skill, practice is key to becoming a pro at blackjack. Many online casinos offer free play options, even for their live dealer games, so take advantage of these opportunities to hone your skills before betting real money.
b. Set a Budget
It’s important to set a budget and stick to it when playing blackjack or any other casino game. This will help you avoid losing more money than you can afford and keep the game fun and enjoyable.
c. Know When to Walk Away
Finally, it’s crucial to know when to walk away from the table. If you’re on a losing streak, it’s best to take a break and come back another time. Playing with a clear head and a positive mindset will always yield better results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blackjack is not just a game of chance but also a game of strategy. By following the basic rules and implementing some advanced techniques, you can greatly improve your chances of winning at this popular casino game. Remember to choose a reliable online casino, practice, and know when to walk away for the best blackjack experience. Good luck and happy gaming!
