Blackjack is a card game renowned for being both challenging and exciting, and it is played all over the world. It appeals to a vast number of players, as it gives them the chance to gain an advantage over the casino by using their skills and knowledge. Few casino games offer such an opportunity, because most rely solely on luck and cannot be influenced in any way. Blackjack also has many different variations, which can be found in numerous land-based casinos as well as online, owing to their immense popularity.
In order to win, players need a solid knowledge of basic strategy, good discipline and sound money-management skills. This way, they will retain their profits and have better control over their bankroll. It is worth mentioning that the best approach in Blackjack is to set small winning goals and achieve them regularly, rather than aim to win big every time.
Blackjack Rules
The basic rules of the game are fairly straightforward, and anyone can learn them easily if they wish. However, it is worth noting that there are some additional rules – such as whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, or whether surrender is permitted – which can differ from one casino to another. Therefore, it is always advisable to check them before playing, in order to prepare as thoroughly as possible and make the best decision for every hand. Moreover, players should bear in mind that many of the game’s variations can also have different rules depending on where they are played.
The aim of Blackjack is to make a total as close as possible to twenty-one; players compete against the dealer. The card values in the game are also quite easy to understand, as most cards are worth their numerical value. The exceptions are the aces, which can be counted as one or eleven, and the face cards – jack, queen and king – which are worth ten points each. These are the basic rules of the game, which remain the same regardless of the casino or the variation, and it is essential to know them inside out to achieve consistent wins in the long term.
Blackjack Moves
On each turn, players can choose one of the following moves for their hand – stand, hit, double down or split. There are other optional moves, such as re-splitting, surrender or taking insurance, which can vary depending on the casino and the version. These options may be completely forbidden or subject to certain restrictions. It is worth noting that, in most cases, these options work in the players’ favour, and it is always best to look for a table or variation that allows them. Some versions of the game allow moves that are not available in classic Blackjack, which is why they have become so popular.
In order to make a particular move, players need to become familiar with the accepted ways of indicating it. Some casinos allow all of them, whereas others have their own preferences, so it is always useful to be aware of all the possibilities. When players have made up their minds regarding their hand, they can simply state their chosen move or use any of the established gestures. For instance, the signal for splitting is to place extra chips next to the initial wager and show two fingers, forming the letter V.
Basic Strategy
However, knowing only the basic rules and moves is not enough, because Blackjack is a card game in which players can form their totals in many different ways. The combinations are virtually endless, especially when more than one deck is used, which is most often the case. For this reason, players need a reliable strategy to help them make the best possible decisions for their bets and moves. One of the most famous is the so-called basic strategy, which is an absolute must for players who strive to win. Its recommended moves are based on the players’ total and the dealer’s up card, which makes it extremely effective.
As noted earlier, some Blackjack rules can vary depending on the venue and the variation, and in such cases players should adjust the basic strategy accordingly. They should bear in mind that every change to the rules directly affects their performance and, therefore, it is essential to be familiar with them. Nowadays, there are many basic-strategy charts available that suggest different moves depending on the rules and the variation. It has never been easier for Blackjack players to improve their game and learn a reliable strategy, so they should take full advantage of this opportunity, as knowing the basic strategy inside out will increase their chances of winning significantly.
Blackjack Possible Hands
Due to the many card combinations that exist, players can form their hand total in a number of ways. If they want to win in the long term, it is essential to know how to deal with every hand successfully and be familiar with all of the possible outcomes. One effective way to do so is to learn the suggested moves of the basic strategy and apply them throughout the game. Some hands are very tricky, and if players want to tackle them successfully, they must prepare in advance to ensure they make the best possible move.
One type of hand that players are bound to receive at some point in the game is the so-called soft hand. Such a combination is formed when they hold an ace, as it prevents them from going bust; no card in the deck can make them exceed twenty-one. The ace is the most powerful card in the deck and, as such, it is essential to know how to make the most of it in every situation. Conversely, the term hard hand is used to indicate that the particular hand does not contain an ace counted as eleven, so there is a possibility of going bust.
Blackjack Splitting Pairs
Another situation players will encounter during the game is when they have a pair of cards of the same rank. The first thing that comes to mind is to split them; however, this is not always the best move. Therefore, they should take the time to familiarise themselves with these situations and the optimal moves. Knowing how to cope with tricky hands will significantly increase their chances of gaining an advantage over the casino and winning.
The strategy for every pair always takes into account the player’s hand total and the dealer’s up card. The suggested moves for some pairs are very easy to remember, whereas others require more attention because they are more complex. In any case, before playing, it is essential to learn the best moves for splitting each pair in order to minimise losses.
House Edge & the Dealer’s Up Card
The term house edge is used to indicate the advantage of the casino in a particular game, and it is usually calculated as a percentage for players’ convenience. It depends on the rules of the game; whenever they change, the house edge is affected. Moreover, Blackjack has a number of variations, and each of them offers better or worse chances of winning. Some rules favour the casino, whereas others are more beneficial for players; therefore, it is best to become familiar with their odds to know which ones to look for.
| House Edge of Popular Blackjack variants | |
|---|---|
| Variant | House Edge |
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 0.35% |
| European Blackjack | 0.39% |
| Multi-Hand Blackjack | 0.63% |
| Double Exposure Blackjack | 0.69% |
| Single Deck Blackjack | 0.58% |
| Blackjack Switch | 0.17% |
| Super Fun 21 | 1.30% |
| Pontoon | 0.39% |
| Perfect Pairs Blackjack | 0.42% |
| Spanish 21 | 0.38% |
The dealer’s up card plays a crucial role in Blackjack, as it gives players a general idea of the dealer’s position. The moves suggested by the basic strategy are based on the players’ total and the dealer’s up card. In some variations, such as Double Exposure Blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are visible to the players, giving them a significant advantage. In a hole-card game, the dealer receives one additional card face down, which they peek at to check for Blackjack. Players should bear in mind that a game in which the dealer has a hole card is generally preferable.
| Dealer’s Up Card and Chances of busting | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dealer’s up card | Dealer’s chances of going bust | Advantage of the players with the Basic Strategy |
| 2 | 35.30% | 9.8% |
| 3 | 37.56% | 13.4% |
| 4 | 40.28% | 18.0% |
| 5 | 42.89% | 23.2% |
| 6 | 42.08% | 23.9% |
| 7 | 25.99% | 14.3% |
| 8 | 23.86% | 5.4% |
| 9 | 23.34% | -4.3% |
| 10, J, Q, K | 21.43% | -16.9% |
| A | 11.65% | -16.0% |
Money Management & Discipline
In order to win and make a profit in the long run, players need strong discipline and sound money-management skills. Even if they are perfect card counters or know the basic strategy inside out, if they lack these qualities it will be impossible to achieve the desired result. It is crucial to know how to manage their money at the table successfully and reduce their losses as much as possible. There are also a number of useful tips available that have proved to be very effective over the years.
For instance, before each session, it is essential to set win goals and loss limits based on the players’ bankroll for the day. This way, they will be able to make wiser decisions about their bets – decisions that are not influenced by their emotions or the surrounding environment. However, they must also be extremely disciplined to stick to these limits throughout the game. In many cases, this advice is easier said than done, as leaving a table when ahead can be very difficult. They should keep in mind that this is the only way to make a profit in the long run and avoid losing large amounts of money.
Card Counting
Card counting is another well-known strategy, used mainly by advanced Blackjack players who have already mastered the basic strategy and the game in general. This method allows them to derive valuable information from the cards on the table and draw conclusions about the upcoming ones. Thanks to card counting, players can make wiser decisions about their bets and moves and therefore have a better chance of gaining an advantage over the casino and winning.
Card counting works best when applied alongside the basic strategy; without a thorough knowledge of it, players will not be able to make the best possible decisions for a particular hand. The number of decks involved in the game plays a crucial role for card counters, as it determines how difficult the counting process will be. Logically, the fewer decks that are involved, the better the players’ chances of keeping track of them. Classic Blackjack and its many variations can be played with different numbers of decks, which is why players should double-check the rules of the game in advance. Usually, these rules can be found on the table, and it will not hurt to glance at them quickly; by doing so, players can avoid participating in a game with a high house edge.
Card Counting Systems
Over the years, a number of card counting systems have been developed by professional players in an attempt to provide better chances of winning, despite the built-in advantage of the casino. Most of them use the fundamental principle of assigning a particular point value to every card rank. Just as every variation of Blackjack has a different house edge, every card-counting system gives players higher or lower chances of gaining an advantage over the casino.
Nowadays, players can choose from a wide range of card-counting systems, which differ in terms of difficulty and efficiency. Some of the most popular systems include Hi-Lo, Halves, Red Seven, Omega II, K-O and others. The term ‘level of count’ is used to indicate how many different assigned point values a particular system contains. For instance, the level of count of the Hi-Lo system is one, as it assigns only three different point values – zero, plus one and minus one. Card-counting systems are also categorised as balanced or unbalanced, each having its own specifications and subtleties. Their aim is to provide players with an accurate ratio of high-value to low-value cards, which will help them make better choices at the table.
Illustrious 18
The famous Illustrious 18, as the name suggests, are eighteen of the most effective adjustments to the basic strategy ever made. The person behind these valuable findings is Don Schlesinger, a notable mathematician and author whose achievements have helped many card counters make wiser choices and take full advantage of the information provided by the cards. The Illustrious 18 chart contains index numbers and suggests the best possible moves in particular situations, and it can be extremely beneficial for players if they manage to grasp its principles.
The moves suggested by the basic strategy are based on the dealer’s up card and the players’ total, assuming they are not aware of the ratio of high-value to low-value cards. However, card counters can derive this valuable information from the cards on the table, using a particular card-counting system. They can then use it to alter the basic strategy and make better choices for their bets and moves. In this way, they will significantly increase their chances of gaining an advantage over the casino while minimising their losses.
Running Count and True Count
Card-counting systems can be balanced or unbalanced, and, depending on this classification, they require different estimations. In order to obtain more accurate information about the cards, players need to calculate the running count or convert it into a true count. They calculate the running count by using the assigned point values of their chosen card-counting system; they then determine the true count. Balanced card-counting systems require the conversion of the running count into a true count, which is why they are considered more complicated.
If players want to calculate the true count, they should divide the running count by the number of decks remaining in the game. This provides them with extremely useful information about the cards, which they can use to decide the right amount for their bets. Being able to calculate the true count successfully gives them the opportunity to increase their chances of winning significantly. In unbalanced card-counting systems, they do not have to convert the running count into a true count, which is why these systems are suitable for inexperienced players.
ROI and Return to Players
ROI, or return on investment, and the expected return to players are two very important factors that should be taken into account before playing. It is essential to be familiar with them because they indicate the potential amount of money players can receive from a particular hand. Thanks to the information these two terms provide, it is possible to make wiser choices regarding wagers and therefore have better chances of winning. It is worth mentioning that when the rules of the game are altered, this change also has an impact on the expected return to players; therefore, it is vital to double-check them in advance.
Blackjack Variations
As Blackjack is one of the most-played casino games, over the years a number of variations have been developed in an attempt to make it even more enticing and exciting. Some of these versions have become so popular that they can be found alongside the classic game in most land-based casinos as well as online. Blackjack enthusiasts who are willing to try something new can now enjoy most of the famous versions whenever and wherever they like. This impressive variety of more than 100 variations gives players the opportunity to experience the game in a very different way and enjoy its additional set of rules and possibilities.
Some of the most popular variations include Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, European Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack and others. One difference in some versions, when compared with the classic game, is that they offer an optional side bet or bonuses in particular situations. Others have significantly altered rules and allow moves that are not otherwise permitted, such as switching cards or seeing both of the dealer’s cards. Naturally, every variation has a different house edge, which can also vary from one casino to another if the rules are changed.
Online Casinos
Nowadays, more and more casinos are expanding their gaming business by developing online websites that feature many famous games and offer special deals and promotions. Thanks to the Internet, it is now possible for players to enjoy most of the popular games in their favourite casinos, regardless of their location. Online casinos are becoming increasingly popular because they enable users to experience Blackjack and many other games in the comfort of their homes, saving time and effort by not travelling to the casino. Moreover, every reputable gaming house ensures a high level of protection and security for its players’ sensitive information, providing the necessary peace of mind.
Blackjack Tournaments
Many casino websites also offer online Blackjack tournaments in which players can participate and win very rewarding prizes, depending on their finishing position. In these competitions they compete not only against the dealer but also against each other, which makes the game much more exciting. Some casinos run events that last for days, whereas others are shorter. There are a number of different tournaments players can enter, depending on the casino, including Elimination, Guaranteed and Single Table Tournaments, among others. It is now possible to put their skills and knowledge to the test against other Blackjack players online and compete for great prizes.
Live Blackjack
Another very exciting feature of online casinos is that many of them offer live Blackjack, which allows players to enjoy an authentic experience of the game. Some casinos use cutting-edge technology that enables players to see the dealer in real time at the table as if they were there. It has never been so effortless to enjoy Blackjack in such an exciting way, regardless of the time and place.
Moreover, it is no secret that land-based casinos have many distractions, which can make focusing difficult, and when it comes to Blackjack, concentration is a must, especially for card counters. One of the many advantages of playing live Blackjack at a favourite online casino is that these distractions no longer exist, and players can enjoy the game more as they will be left in peace to make up their minds. They can review the rules of the game in advance, and it is much easier to choose a game on a website than to scout the tables in a large casino.
Mobile Blackjack
Nowadays, it is not only possible to choose where to play – online or in a land-based casino – but also how to play, as many casinos have developed applications and online platforms that are suitable for a number of mobile devices. Blackjack fans can now enjoy their favourite game on their mobile devices whenever and wherever they want. Most of these apps are user-friendly and extremely easy to navigate. Usually, they are free of charge and can be downloaded from the most common online stores. Moreover, all of them are developed to meet players’ needs and to provide an authentic experience that closely resembles the one gained in land-based casinos.
Conclusion
Blackjack is one of the most famous casino card games, as it offers players the incredible opportunity to win by putting their skills and knowledge to the test. A number of strategies have been developed to help them achieve this goal and make a profit in the long term. If players want to become winners, they should be willing to dedicate a considerable amount of time and effort to learning the subtleties and rules of the game. In any case, Blackjack is an extremely interesting and exciting card game that is worth playing, thanks to its challenging rules and its very nature.