How to Beat the Odds at Blackjack

Blackjack is a fun and exciting game that can be played for both real money and for fun. However, it is important to know the rules and strategy of this casino game before you play. This way, you can increase your chances of winning and decrease the house edge.

Blackjack Odds and Probability

While specialised literature and books about the game will never talk about luck, it is an important part of your preparation to get familiar with the odds and possibilities in order to place yourself in the best possible position and avoid bad moves. It is also essential to be aware of the expected value (EV), which helps in making a decision and can even turn the tables in your favor.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

The most basic strategy in blackjack is to weigh your hand against the dealer’s and decide whether to hit or stand based on this. This strategy is very effective when dealing with totals between 2 and 18, but it is also important to consider the dealer’s up card when deciding to hit or stand on hands with totals over 18.

Expected Value Explained

The expected value in blackjack is a measure of how much you can expect to win or lose based on your current hand. This figure is the average of your previous wins and losses, and can help you make more informed decisions about when to hit, stand, or double down.

Expected Value is not a hard concept to grasp, and it can even be used as an aid when playing other casino games. It can also be a valuable tool when calculating the house edge in blackjack.

Card Counting

One of the most popular methods to beat the odds at blackjack is card counting. It can be intimidating to begin with, but it’s a surprisingly simple process that involves counting cards as they are discarded from the shoe. Once you have mastered this technique, you’ll be able to predict what cards are left in the deck and adjust your wagers accordingly.

How to Stretch Your Bankroll

Before you play, it’s important to determine how long you want to play and how much of your bankroll you can afford to risk. This will help you judge which real money blackjack games are right for you and set realistic bet limits.

What to Do When You Have a Pair

It is tempting to split pairs when you have two cards of the same value, but it’s often not the best strategy. This is because a pair can be difficult to break and can lead to a lot of losing streaks.

When you have a pair, the best option is to stand. This will give you the highest chance of winning.

If you have a pair that is equal in value to the dealer’s up card, you should double down. This will allow you to add another card to your hand for a total of 21, which is the most profitable combination in blackjack.