If you play blackjack without any prior knowledge, you might as well be throwing your money down the drain. Based on probabilities, there are optimum things you should do based on your cards, compared to the dealer's upcard. The good thing is, it doesn't take long to learn these simple rules.
a) 'hit' with a total of 11 or less, regardless of what the dealer is holding.
b) 'stand' with a total of 17 or more, regardless of what the dealer is holding.
c) if your total is between 12 and 16, then your decision depends on the dealer's face up card:
- if it's 2 to 6, 'stand'
- if it's 7 to A, 'hit'
Advanced Bets
'Double Down' You are allowed to double your initial bet, but you make a sacrifice - you must take exactly 1 more card. Hint: 'Double down' if your score is 11. however this doesn't apply if the dealer has A or 10.
'Split' If you have a pair from your first 2 cards, you may split them into 2 hands and play them separately. You must place a new bet, of exactly the same value as your initial bet for the 1st hand on the 2nd hand. Hint: 'split' your cards if you have A-A or 8-8. However never 'split' 10-10,5-5 or 4-4
Always Split A-A or 9-8
'Insurance' If the dealer shows an A as his face up card, you are offered insurance. This is because there is a strong possibility of a 'blackjack'. If his face down card is any of 10,J,Q,K he has a 'blackjack' If you take insurance you will have to pay ½ your original bet for this. If it turns out the dealer has 'blackjack' you are paid 2 to 1. Hint: NEVER take insurance - there is a huge house advantage at the odds paid out, and it is not worth taking under any circumstances! |
