Blackjack is a seemingly simple game, but which hides pitfalls in its simplicity. Its elementary rules might suggest that it is just a game of pure luck, but there are actually strategies (some not totally legal) and secrets that can make the difference between a winning player and a losing player.
The rules of Blackjack
To understand how to win at blackjack, you also need to know how this fascinating casino game works.
Very often it is believed, mistakenly, that the purpose of blackjack is to get as close as possible to 21. In reality, the purpose in a game of blackjack is to beat the dealer, in fact the first fundamental rule is to have a higher score of the bank, represented by a dealer or a croupier, respecting the limit set at 21 points.
Scores in Blackjack
The value of the hand held by the participants is defined by the cards, usually two decks of classic French cards also used for other popular games such as poker.
Each numbered card has the corresponding value of its number, so a 2 is worth 2 points a 3 is worth 3 points and so on. The figures, so we are talking about Jack, Queen and King, are worth 10 points, while the ace can be worth 1 or 11 depending on the other hand cards you have. Suits have no influence on the value of the hand.
It should be noted that the exit of a figure accompanied by an ace represents the automatic victory of the hand and an unbeatable point. Hitting a blackjack then has an additional bonus in the prize phase: compared to a 21 made up of several cards, commonly paid 1: 1, 21 totaled with only two cards (ace + face or 10) is paid 3: 2.
Possible actions in Blackjack
Given the blackjack scores, let’s now see what are the possible actions for the player.
The hand takes place with the dealer who distributes two cards to all the participants and then serves as many to himself with one that remains covered. At that point, based on their score, and on the partial score obtained by the dealer, players can choose the most suitable strategy by calling one of the possible actions of blackjack.
- Call card : in this case an additional card will be assigned to the player in addition to those in his possession.
- Stand : with this command the player indicates to the dealer that he does not want more cards and that he is satisfied with his current score.
- Split : This action is possible when two identical cards are dealt. In this case the bet doubles and two different hands are played, being able to ask for cards and remain independently between the two bets.
- Double down : When the hand seems to turn to a distinct advantage, the player can decide to double the bet on his play. In this case only one more card will be drawn and then the score will be final.
Blackjack, the basic strategy
It may seem trivial, but the first basic blackjack strategy tip is to look carefully at the cards . Many players, in fact, make a rather common mistake in all card games : taking into account only their own cards.
In reality, in blackjack the outcome of a hit is influenced as much by the cards we have, as by the card shown by the dealer. Indeed, the value of this card is the main element on which the basic strategy is based in blackjack. This is because in blackjack, the dealer is forced to draw until he gets at least 17 points . A rule not to be underestimated, this, because it determines the probability of winning a starting hand.
From the player’s point of view – which is what we’re interested in here – it’s much better if the dealer has a low card than a high card. The reason is very simple: the more cards the dealer is forced to draw, the more likely you are to go bust – and vice versa.
For example, if the dealer showed a card like a 5, for him to draw a face would be a negative option, because reaching 15 he would have to take another card, with the real risk of exceeding 21. Conversely, if the card the dealer’s upside was a king, any face (including aces) or high value card would allow him to reach an excellent score.
Blackjack basic strategy: the odds of the dealer going bust
In general, as we have said, the lower the dealer’s up card, the more likely it is that he will bust. But specifically, what are the percentages that the dealer gets high in blackjack, strategy aside?
Here’s a quick mirror:
- Ace: 11.5%
- Kings, Queens, Jacks o 10: 21.2%
- 9: 22.8%
- 8: 24.5%
- 7: 26.2%
- 6: 42.3%
- 5; 41.5%
- 4: 39%
- 3: 37%
- 2: 35%
As you have surely guessed, in reality the progression is not exactly linear, because for the dealer having a 2, a 3 or a 4 as their first card is actually better than a 5 or a 6 , absolutely the worst possible cards.
Bonus tip: If the dealer shows a 5 or a 6, he will bust almost once in two, so basic blackjack strategy tells you not to take too much risk, regardless of the content of your hand .
Online blackjack strategy: how to practice
Of course, the basic strategy applies to all versions of blackjack, be it online blackjack, live blackjack or land-based casino blackjack. Indeed, the online blackjack strategy is more easily applicable, because unlike the live or “physical” game, there is no one running after it.
Online, you dictate your own timing, being able to reflect for a long time on any move, before taking it. While playing live or live blackjack, however, you will have to deal with other players, who may get impatient seeing you think for a long time each time.
In this regard, if you want to study online blackjack strategy, you can do it not only by reading articles like this one, but also and above all by practicing . Such as? There are several blackjack strategy apps, such as BlackJack Trainer Pro for Android and Blackjack Strategy Practice for iOS.
These tools allow you to try out moves and strategies in virtual learning contexts, with no money at stake. A good way to improve your blackjack skills, to feel more comfortable the next time you play at one of the Gioco Digitale online casino tables .
Is card counting in Blackjack valid?
That of counting cards in blackjack is often confused with a cheating strategy, but in reality it is a legal trick, that simply is not frowned upon by casinos, but does not lead to charges of fraud.
Of course, this concept is valid if the count is done using only one’s own memory, while if you use automatic counting devices, this is seen as a scam and the situation changes radically.
Inspired by the story of the Mit Blackjack team , which remained in the collective imagination also thanks to the famous film 21, we tend to think that blackjack card counting is a complicated operation. It’s actually less difficult than it looks and there are techniques for doing it.
The trick of counting cards in blackjack is based on a mnemonic that allows you to determine whether the next cards dealt will be high or low.
The best known technique is that of “+1” “-1”, which works like this:
- if a low card is rolled (from 2 to 6) a +1 is scored
- If a high card (10 to ace) comes up, a -1 is scored
In this way, if we have an obvious result, such as a +13, we know that low cards have come up so far, so it is much more likely that the high ones will arrive in the next served. Finally, let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of counting cards in blackjack in a dedicated article, which you will find by clicking here .
Rules for the dealer in Blackjack
The last fundamental step to understand how to win at blackjack is to know that even the dealer has precise rules that must be followed in the conduct of the hand.
In fact, the dealer in classic blackjack applied in casinos all over the world has a set of pre-established moves based on the score he gets and that of the participants.
Specifically, the basic rule requires the dealer to stop when he totals 17 . This basic rule is active in almost all the best casinos, with the only exception of those casinos that allow the dealer to continue in the case of soft 17, ie a score achieved with an ace (for example A-6).
Well, now that you know the rules and tricks to win , you just have to test yourself by playing the classic online blackjack on Gioco Digitale, or maybe trying the new live blackjack online , the version with real dealers, to make you feel all the excitement of a real casino game!
