Blackjack is a card game that pits players against the dealer. It is played with a standard 52-card deck. The cards have different values, with aces counting as either one or eleven and face cards worth ten.
You should hit when your cards add up to 12 or higher. This is a good strategy because it increases your chances of winning against a dealer showing a weak card.
Basic strategy
Blackjack basic strategy is a proven winning system that minimizes the house edge by playing the correct plays on each hand. It was derived from a computer simulation that tested hundreds of millions of hands. It determined the best decisions for the player given the starting player hand and dealer up card.
However, the game rules at a particular table can affect this strategy slightly. For example, some games require the dealer to hit on soft 17 while others do not. These differences can have a significant impact on the game’s expectation. To compensate for this, you must learn when to make playing deviations. This involves converting from running count to true count, and then determining whether the change is justified.
Hi-lo system
In a game like blackjack, the hi-lo system is an excellent way to win money. However, it requires careful bankroll management and skill in a busy casino. If you get caught card counting, the casino will kick you out.
When the true count reaches +1, you should start increasing your bets. Usually, players will increase their wagers to 1.5 or 2 times their base bet.
Compared to other counting systems, Hi-Lo performs about in the middle. But this is because it focuses on betting efficiency. It’s also the best count for shoe games.
Splitting pairs
Pair splitting is a blackjack strategy that allows you to double your bet and create two hands instead of one. It works on most games, but there are a few exceptions. For example, don’t split tens unless the dealer has a 2 through 9 as an upcard. Similarly, it isn’t recommended to split pairs of twos, threes, or sevens.
Splitting pairs is a great way to tilt the odds in your favor, but you should only do it when you have the opportunity. You should also avoid splitting high pairs like eights or aces, as they are already strong enough to beat the dealer.
Doubling down
Doubling down is one of the most commonly used bets in blackjack. It allows players to double their initial wager after being dealt two cards and receiving only one additional card from the dealer. This can be a risky move, but it can also yield large rewards if done correctly.
The term “double down” has gained popularity in the media and political arenas, where it is used to describe re-committing to a cause or strategy in the face of criticism. It has even reached cliche status, with some complaining that the phrase is being overused in news headlines.
Secondary bets
In blackjack, side bets are additional wagers made during a standard game, predicting the cards that a player or dealer will receive. These bets are based on luck rather than skill and play independently of the main bet’s result. Side bets can include Insurance, Lucky Ladies, and Over/Under 13.
Statistically speaking, the odds of a player winning a natural blackjack are 3:2. However, some casinos pay 6:5 on winning naturals, which increases the house edge significantly. Using a software program that produces the actual probability distribution for 1 hand will allow you to calculate the expected value of each bet.
Some side bets can be beaten with card counting, but many are not. It is important to understand how to count the cards properly to minimize the house edge.
