Blackjack may have been around since the early 1600’s, but it still dominates the casino floors in gambling cities, like Monaco, Macau and Las Vegas, as well as online casino sites – were you’ll find a vast variety of the game – including live Blackjack online.
It’s undoubtedly one of the easiest classic brick-and-mortar games to get your head around, although sometimes it’s a difficult decision on whether you should hit, stick, spilt or double down. If you find yourself struggling to make crucial decisions at a physical table, online, or just want a few tips on how to up your game, then read on!
- Always split a pair of 8s and Aces
Forget about what the dealer’s up card is, if you are dealt a pair of 8s or Aces always split. If the dealer has a 9, 10 or Ace, you may be put off on splitting your hard 16 (two 8s) as you are at a huge disadvantage. However, you give yourself more of a chance by playing two hands of eight, than you do by playing the hand of 16. Splitting Aces gives you the opportunity to play two far better hands than sticking or hitting on a pair of Aces.
- Never split a pair of 10s or 5s
This is quite a simple strategy. You are far better off hitting a pair of 5s (hard 10) than you are splitting the fives and playing two hands, as the chances are that you’re going to find yourself needing to hit again! Whilst splitting a pair of 10s is extremely tempting – and often results in winning hands – you’re more likely to win sticking with your 20.
- Always double down on 10 if the dealer has nine or less
If you want to enhance your bankroll, this is a rule you should always use when playing Blackjack. If you have a hand of 10 and the dealer’s card on show has the value of nine or lower, you should always double down as you’re the massive favourite to win the hand.
- Always stand with a pair of 9s when the dealer has a 7
It’s always very tempting to split a pair of 9s (hard 18) if the dealer has an upcard with the value of nine or lower. However, you shouldn’t split your hand if the dealer has a seven. In this scenario, you should always stand because you’re more likely to win than splitting. This is because it’s very likely that the dealer will have a 10 in the hole, as there are so many cards that hold a value of 10. This means that the chances are that the dealer with have a hand of 17 and your 18 will win.
- Always hit a pair of 6s against the dealer’s 2 or 3
This situation can really make even the most experienced of Blackjack players sweat. A lot of punters will stand on their hard 12 (pair of 6s) as they are afraid of going bust. However, you’re far more likely to lose standing on a pair of 6s than you are hitting.
- Always hit soft 18 when the deal has a 9, 10 or Ace
One thing that Blackjack players always seem to think is that a hand of 18 means they’re going to win – wrong! If you stand on a soft 18 – ace and a seven – and the dealer is in possession of a nine, 10 or Ace the odds are against you and you’re actually the underdog. Although, if you hit and draw a small card of three or below, your chances of winning are far higher, whilst if you draw a card with the value of 10 then it’s not the end of the world.