There are some easy-to-learn blackjack tips and tricks that any player can use to improve their chances of winning. Whether you’re a beginner sitting down to play your first hand, or a seasoned pro looking to brush up on your strategies, these blackjack tips will improve your knowledge and edge at the JustCasino Canada tables.
Using Basic Strategy Charts
Remembering the perfect basic strategy is one of the most important things any blackjack player can do to reduce the house edge. Basic blackjack strategy provides the best decision for every possible hand combination based on the dealer’s upcard. Players can simply refer to the easy-to-read basic strategy chart to learn exactly how to play each hand they have to get the best odds.
Print out a basic pg soft slots strategy sheet to keep with you when you play. This simple trick eliminates the guesswork and helps newbies make their best statistical game on every hand. Over time, players who play blackjack regularly will naturally memorize basic strategies based on repetition of the best plays.
Know when to split a pair
Split Pair allows players to split matching starting cards into two hands against the dealer’s face card. This is a simple way to double your bet and improve your chances of winning when the cards are in your favour. Use this quick guide to learn when to split a pair in blackjack:
- Always separate A and 8
- 2 seconds and 3 seconds apart with dealers 2 to 7
- Only 4 points versus 5 or 6
- Split 6 versus 2 to 6
- Split 7 only on 2 to 7
- Just separate 9 from 2 to 6 or 8 or 9
- Never split 5 or 10 value cards
Follow these pair split rules to maximize your wins.
Double down cautiously
Doubling down allows a blackjack player to double his or her initial bet after receiving a starting hand in exchange for a commitment to holding only one additional card. This is an aggressive play that can pay off well if used correctly. Here are tips on when it makes sense to double down on your investment:
- Only double down on hard totals of 9, 10 or 11
- Always double 9 with 3 to 6
- Double hard 10’s and 11’s against any card except an Ace or 10 up card
- Avoid soft hands and hands
A soft 16 or 18 is the exception, and doubling down on a favorable situation can be profitable in the long run. Follow these guidelines to avoid costly double mistakes.
Actively play with soft hands
A soft card in blackjack contains an Ace, which counts as 11 points. Because the ace can be restored to a value of 1 if needed to prevent busting, soft hands are very flexible. When your hand is soft, use these tips:
- Always hit soft hands less than 18
- Double Soft 18 against Dealer’s 9, 10 and Ace up card
- Always stand on soft 19 and 20
The flexibility of soft decks means they play much differently than hard decks. Learning how to deal with soft hands is an easy way to reduce the long-term advantage of hitting the ball.
Learn the dealer’s hole card strategy
A skilled blackjack player will try to determine whether there is a 10-point card in the hole based on the face cards visible to the dealer. Why? Knowing this can identify ideal doubling and splitting situations when the bookmaker is more likely to go bankrupt. Remember these obvious banker hand combinations:
- The dealer showing a 2, 3 or 4 means they have a 1 in 3 chance of getting a 10 on the hole
- The dealer showing a 5 or 6 means they have a 1 in 2 chance of getting a 10 on the hole
- The dealer showing a 9, 10 or an ace means they almost certainly have a 10 hole
This inside information enables savvy players to selectively double down and split against vulnerable house hands. Casinos hate this trick!
Play multiple hands strategically
Playing multiple hands simultaneously can make blackjack even more exciting. But it also requires adjusting your strategy to avoid costly mistakes:
- Deal with each hand independently according to the dealer’s hole cards
- Be very selective about doubling and splitting to avoid burning your bankroll
- Consider using fewer hands to make larger bets rather than using more hands to make smaller bets
The drawback to this strategy is that you become too distracted and play an emotional game. Stick to numbers.
know when to walk away
Unlike craps or roulette, where the odds reset with each spin or roll, blackjack has a “memory” in which the cards seen affect the odds over time.
Here are some signs that it’s time to call it a day or find a new desk:
- You have failed hand after hand
- The dealer shows a lot of 20 points and blackjack
- Few or no low cards are dealt
- The card table is cold and no one wins
Sometimes short-term differences can only work against you. It is important to realize this and not chase losses by continuing to play. When the cards and odds are back in your favor, walk away and come back again.
in conclusion
Mastering these basic blackjack skills will instantly improve your knowledge and edge at the poker table. From basic strategies to advanced plays like splitting and doubling in optimal situations, use this advice to grow your bankroll and not the casino’s. In no time, you’ll move from casual player to edge player, putting these simple blackjack tips into practice with experience and on every play.
