Whether you are new to playing blackjack or a seasoned pro, there are certain strategies that you can use to help you win. These tips include splitting pairs of aces and 8’s, counting cards, and avoiding playing too long.
Double down on any two cards
Choosing when to double down on any two cards to win blackjack is an important factor in the game. Although there are several strategies for making such a decision, you need to be aware of the rules. Most casinos allow you to double down on any two cards, but they may also limit it to a specific range of totals. The exact rule will be stated in the rules of the game you are playing.
A good rule to follow when deciding when to double down is to ask your dealer about the doubling rules. In most cases, he or she will be happy to give you a rule that you can use. However, it is always a good idea to observe other players before committing to a certain strategy.
One of the best times to double down is when the dealer shows a weak card. This means that the player’s total will be close to 21, and the dealer will likely go bust. This will be a good time to double down, as the odds are favorable for both the player and the dealer.
Another great time to double down is when you have an ace. You are in a better position to win against the dealer, and you can’t lose with an ace. Depending on the casino, you can even double down on a soft 17 or soft 18 if the dealer has a low card.
Some of the more popular doubling times include doubling down on an eleven, doubling down on a ten, and doubling down on a soft 16. In all three cases, it is a good idea to double down if the dealer’s up card is lower than the one you have.
Split pairs of aces and 8’s
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are a few rules of thumb that you should keep in mind when you’re splitting pairs of aces and 8’s to win in blackjack. These tips can help you make better choices and reduce your losses.
The first rule of thumb is to always split pairs of aces and 8’s, but there are exceptions. A player should never split a pair of tens, nor should they split a pair of nines. This is because hitting a ten gives you a negative expectation, which can increase your odds of going bust.
Besides, a positive deck count makes hitting a ten more likely, and a negative deck count can mean that there are no tens left in the deck. In this case, it’s not wise to go all-in, because you could end up with a hand of twelve.
On the other hand, if you’re playing with a positive deck count, you should still split a pair of aces and 8’s to cut your losses. You’ll be able to take two starting hands with value of eight, and the odds are high that you’ll find a ten in one of them.
Another thing to consider is the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer has a face card or a power card, you shouldn’t go all-in. But if the dealer’s upcard is a nine, you might want to push.
The golden rule of blackjack is to always split pairs of aces & eights. This is a solid strategy and will cut your losses in the long run.
It’s a good idea to check out a casino’s rules and find out if they’ll allow you to resplit the aces. This will increase your edge by 0.06%.
Avoid playing too long
Getting your fill of blackjack is not the only thing on your mind. If you’re the type who enjoys a few rounds of high stakes blackjack or a good ol’ fashioned poker match then you’ll want to be in the right frame of mind before you pull the trigger. It’s no secret that some casinos are more than willing to ply you with the best of the best. It’s best to be prepared for when your lucky day finally comes, and it all starts with choosing the right table. You’ll need to keep an eye on the competition if you want to win. You’ll also need to take the requisite breaks, lest you get so caught up in the fray that you forget to play the game.
Count cards
Counting cards is a technique to increase your chances of winning blackjack. This does not guarantee you will win, but it can help you understand when to make a big bet and when to bet a smaller amount.
One of the most basic ways to count cards is the Plus-Minus count. Basically, you assign values to each card, and use them to determine your advantage. If you have a high count, you will be more likely to get a good card. On the other hand, if you have a low count, you will be less likely to receive a good card.
Another technique to count cards is the Hi-Lo system. This is based on the same principle as the plus-minus method, but uses a different base. For example, instead of +1, the count is -1 for a three-card combination. It also allows you to calculate the value of each card individually.
A more complex system is the Omega II technique. It was developed by Bryce Carlson in 1992. It’s more sophisticated than the classic +1, 0 and -1 values.
Using a plus-minus count, you can adjust your bets depending on the running count. When you’re positive, you can bet more. But if your count is negative, you should bet less.
If you’re unfamiliar with card counting, you can use an online training program. Many popular blackjack apps are available, and will teach you to count cards in the comfort of your own home. However, never take these programs to a casino. You may be banned.
Card counting is not illegal in the US, but some casinos do not like it. If you’re suspected of card counting, you could be thrown out of the game.