Blackjack is considered to be a game of skill. Certainly, compared to slots and Banana Jones, which are games of pure chance, blackjack IS a game of skill. However, in blackjack, skill can take a gamer only so far; there is also a good deal of luck involved. Gamers make their own luck by playing correctly. Here Slots Play Casinos presents a few blackjack tips and tricks to online casino blackjack gamers.
Why Online Gamers?
There are a few difficulties players at land-based casinos might experience at the blackjack table.
- There might not be a $2 or even a $5 table. For gamers trying to play a fun game and conserve their bankroll, this can be a problem.
- Players are offered free alcohol. Even one drink with alcohol in it will lower a player’s cognitive skill and the skill side of blackjack is all in one’s cognition.
- Some players could blame you for their losses. If you play with the correct strategy, you will often hit will 12 or more points. Players who never hit with 12 or more points could blame you if they lose.
- Many land-based casinos now pay only 6-5 for a blackjack. This is a huge loss to players. Our recommended casinos all pay 3-2 for a blackjack. We urge gamers to never play 6-5 blackjack.
- The free flow of alcohol might cause a player to be so inebriated he hits on female (these days even male) players.
- When you leave the table, you are expected to tip the dealer. Our tips are all in gamers’ favor!
The Key Point in Blackjack
The key point has nothing to do with doubling down, splitting, surrendering, taking insurance, that players see only one of the dealer’s cards, or whether the dealer hits with soft 17. The key point in blackjack is that the player goes first!
If the player busts, he or she loses immediately. At a land-based casino, it often happens that a player will bust with 22 points, and later on in the hand, the dealer busts with a higher point count. The busted player or players still lose!
Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack Strategy is based primarily on the fact that the player goes first! Not entirely, but primarily! Once we understand fully that the players go first, we can start to learn how the player’s point count and the dealer’s up card are synergistically connected in the strategy.
Proper Strategy Compares the Gamer’s Points with the Dealer’s Card
A lot of blackjack players simply look at their own cards and disregard the dealer’s card. We have to keep in mind that the dealer has to hit with 16 or fewer points and has to stand with 17 or more points except in games where he hits with soft 17.
The player has to take a moment to evaluate his or her hand. Should she take a card? Should she stand? Should she double down or split? Should she surrender or take insurance? Of course, the decision is based in large part on the player’s point count but it also depends on the dealer’s up card.
When to Take Another Card
If you have 11 points or less, you will always take a card. If you have 17 points or more you will almost always stand. If the dealer has a card that can give her 18 or more points, and you have only 17 points, and you aren’t allowed to surrender, you might choose to take a card.
Why Should a Player Take a Card with 12 Points or More?
The natural play would be to stand so as not to bust with a 10-point card. But, if the dealer shows a 7 or better, gamers should take a card with 12 or 13 points. You still might bust but statistics show that taking a card here is the better play.
When Should a Player Stand?
You stand when your point total is too close to 22, the busting point total. Players will usually stand with 14, 15, or 16 points. At this point, it is best to point out that it is best to play in a blackjack game that allows surrender. There are many hands where surrender protects the player’s bankroll.
When to Double Down
This strategy play has the player adding to his or her bet an amount equal to the ante and then they get one card only. It should be obvious that the bets point counts to double down on are 9, 10, and 11. While correct strategy often calls for the gamer to take a card with 12 or more points, it is never correct strategy to double down with these holdings.
When to Split
It is best to split with aces and eights. It is also okay to split nines if the dealer is showing a 5 or 6. If the dealer has a low card, it is better to keep the 18 points rather than to split the nines. A rule of thumb is to never split tens. If you have been counting cards and you know that there are a lot of low cards still in the deck, you might choose to split twos, threes, or fours.
Never split fives. It is better to double down with a pair of fives.
There are Two More “Nevers” in Blackjack
- Never take insurance.
- Never play 6-5 blackjack.
Strategy in Blackjack Prepares Gamers for Strategy in Other Areas
It is almost always a good idea to develop a strategy for any activity. For example, if you are flying, a good strategy would be to get to the airport a bit earlier than most people. That way you will be able to relax instead of standing in an endless line.
If you are driving somewhere, it is best to check traffic conditions. It could be that the local two-land highways will get you there faster than the Interstate!
In business, strategy involves creating a solid business plan or model, finding the right location whether you want to open a store or set up a factory, and being able to cultivate good working relationships with suppliers, customers, and the local government.
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