Blackjack is a card game that involves counting cards. Players count cards as they are dealt, and the dealer also keeps a running total of his or her own total. This total is known as the true count.
One key to success in blackjack is keeping your betting strategy consistent. During a losing streak, don’t try to recover by doubling your bets. This will just drain your bankroll.
Basic strategy
Blackjack is a game where the house edge can be brought down to less than 2% by following a smart betting strategy. But many players make mistakes that increase the house edge, including making side bets and insurance bets. These mistakes should be avoided if you want to win more money at the blackjack table.
The basic strategy of blackjack was first devised in the 1950s by four US Army engineers. They used simple adding machines to determine optimal playing strategies. Their findings were later refined with the help of computers that simulated millions of hands of blackjack.
The resulting charts tell the player which decisions are best for every starting hand and dealer up card. Although these rules are not perfect, they are easier to remember than the complexities of card counting.
Hi-lo system
The hi-lo system is a card counting strategy that divides cards into high and low values. It is a balanced Level 1 counting system. The active sum never rises above or below one value, which makes it easy to master. It is also moderately simplified, making it ideal for inexperienced players who want to try their hand at card counting without complicating the game.
Harvey Dubner developed the Hi-Lo count system in 1963 and it has become one of the most popular blackjack strategies today. Several other mathematicians have studied and optimized this card counting method, most notably Stanford Wong in his book Professional Blackjack. It has a good betting correlation and is an efficient way to make decisions about taking insurance. However, it is not without its drawbacks.
Splitting pairs
Splitting pairs is a key blackjack strategy that allows players to increase their hand totals while reducing their expected losses. However, it is not available in all blackjack games, and it is not always the best move.
The recommended pair splitting matrix most professional blackjack players follow takes into account the dealer’s up card and other hand values. This means that players should only split pairs of 2s and 3s if the dealer’s up card is a weak one.
The only exception to this rule is if the game offers surrender. In this case, players should always split a pair of 8s regardless of the number of decks and dealer’s stand rules. In this way, they can maximize their advantage by reducing the dealer’s chances of making a strong hand.
Surrendering
Surrendering is an option that allows players to fold a hand and recoup half their wager before the dealer checks for blackjack or asks for insurance. It is an effective strategy for some hands, but it must be used under optimal conditions. It can also reduce the built-in casino advantage by a small amount. The precise amount depends on the number of decks and mix of playing rules used in the table game.
While some gamblers enjoy waving the white flag and surrendering their hands, others want to stick with their hands until they hit 21. This mentality is a common trait among card counters who do not want to lose money. This type of gambler is often more successful than those who rely on systems to win.
Setting your limits
When playing Blackjack, it is essential to set your limits. This will help you manage your bankroll and avoid making rash decisions. Moreover, it will allow you to gamble responsibly. Setting your limits is especially important if you’re new to the game. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of winning and lose control.
It’s also a good idea to know the table limits before you sit down to play. Some tables will have lower limits than others, and it’s also important to consider the house edge percentage. Rules that favor the player can decrease the house edge, while those that limit the player’s options will increase it. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand. During high times, such as weekends and evenings, the casino may adjust the limits upwards.
