The number of people who play Blackjack especially in America is larger than that of Russian roulette and baccarat combined. The notion that Blackjack is a difficult game to play has with time been dealt away with.
Just like any other game, Blackjack demands a lot of skills and strategy that with time is learned and mastered. The thrill of playing Blackjack is quite like no other. With just a few tips, learners can become pros and can perfect their skills even more. The trick is to know when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, and take insurance or surrender.
Hit
This means that a player takes another card from the dealer in hopes of getting closer to 21. Supposing the dealer hits and the sum is more than 21, he loses the bet. A player can hit for example, if his cards sum 12 to 16 while the dealer has 7 or higher. The signals for hitting vary with different casinos but the most common signals are pointing the player’s cards or waving.
Stand
A player stands when he does not ask for another card from the dealer hoping that his cards’ sum will win him the Blackjack. A player is advised to stand on any hand that sums to 17, when his sum is 12 to 16 while the dealer has 2 to 6. The signal is waving a hand horizontally in face-up games.
Double down
The player increases his bet and stands after taking one card; a means which removes the house edge and hence important to know when to apply it. A player can stand if he gets a sum of 11 and the dealer has 10, 9 and the dealer has 2 to 8, 10 and the dealer has 9 or less. You can double an 11 unless the dealer has an ace.
Split
A player can split the first two cards of a hand if they have the same value by simply placing a second bet which is equal to the first. Splitting two 8’s for example is advisable no matter what the dealer is holding. The two 8’s make a 16, hence splitting them is a better chance of winning a bet. Supposing one of the 8’s losses the other can always have better probabilities.
Insurance
Players are advised not to take insurance since the advantage lies with the casino. When the dealer face up card is 10, a player can take insurance (an independent side bet of the main wager that the dealer has 21) the player receives two dollars for every dollar. Players with a 21 can also take insurance and in so doing they can win the 2:1 bet.
Surrender
A player can make an early or late surrender depending on casino’s regulations. They are not allowed against a dealer’s Blackjack. This leaves the player with half of his bet. Early surrender is applied before the dealer checks for his 21. Early surrender favors the player better than late surrender.
It is that simple! Observe these important tips and you will be a guru in playing Blackjack.