How to Win at Blackjack

Most blackjack tables let you split pairs into two hands for an additional wager. Some even allow you to split hands created from splitting or doubling down. Playing two good hands into the right dealer’s up-card can pay off handsomely.

Always split a pair of aces since you have a good chance of getting a ten and hitting 21. Eights are also a great pair to split since the house usually has to stand on 17. Lastly, when the dealer shows a 6 or less, they will have to hit and possibly bust, so you should split your 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s.

The double-down move is profitable in certain blackjack situations where you plan to hit on your initial deal anyhow. You want to use it correctly because you only get a single additional card to try and win the hand.

If you have a hard 11 and the dealer doesn’t show an ace, then you should double down. It’s also a great option with a hard 10 if the house shows a nine or less. While you may want to split a pair of 5s, you’re better off treating them like a 10 and doubling in hopes of hitting a 20.

Taking insurance on a large wager might sound enticing. You’re essentially protecting yourself from a face-down 10 when the dealer shows an ace. No matter how tempting it may seem, you should always avoid the insurance bet.

In fact, we suggest you forget all the side wagers. Perfect pairs, over-under, 21+3, and other prop bets tend to carry a pretty high house edge. Your best tactic to win is to stick to the base game and play with the proper blackjack strategy.

You aren’t going to win at blackjack every time. The game’s house edge pans out over thousands of hands, so you still might run into a losing streak from time to time. Proper bankroll management helps keep you in the game when the cards aren’t falling in your favor.

You can play quite a few $1 hands with only $50. If you lose a few rounds back to back, you’ll still have some chips to stake on the next game. When you start to bet $10 at a time, it doesn’t take long to run out of money. Sit at low-limit tables while you build your bankroll slowly and steadily.

Before you start playing blackjack, set some limits for yourself. Don’t chase losses assuming you are bound to hit a good streak. The same goes for winning.

Decide what upside amount you’ll be happy reaching before cashing out and walking away. The best way to protect yourself is to set a budget and time limit and stick to it. Remember that playing casino games should be a fun experience.