Blackjack is a game of chance, but the odds can be influenced by player decisions. Knowing the odds can help you make better choices and minimize the house edge. Keeping your emotions in check and making decisions based on probability can also improve your chances of winning.
Blackjack is a casino card game in which the goal is to get a higher total than the dealer without going over 21. Cards are valued at their face value except for Jacks, Queens and Kings which count as 10. Aces can be valued as either 1 or 11.
Basic strategy
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is a skill-based game, and practicing with a solid strategy can help you optimize your odds of winning. A basic strategy chart is a must-have for blackjack players, and you can find one at DraftKings casino online or print it out to take with you on your gambling trips.
One of the most important tips for playing blackjack is to practice proper bankroll management. This includes determining in advance how much money you are willing to lose and sticking with it. This discipline can save you from making impulsive decisions after losses and increase your chances of winning more often. It is also crucial to understand the different rules of blackjack and how these affect the house edge.
Splitting pairs
Splitting pairs in blackjack is a key part of basic strategy. There are certain pairs of cards that should never be split, while others can be split depending on the dealer’s up card. For example, a pair of sevens should be split against a dealer’s two through six but not against an ace. The same is true for a pair of eights.
Never split fours or fives. These pairs give you weak starting hands that will be hard to improve, and splitting them usually results in a money loss. Also, a pair of tens should always be doubled down against any dealer’s up card except for an ace or face. This rule is rarely enforced, however, as it increases the house edge by about 14%.
Doubling down
Doubling down is a blackjack strategy that increases the player’s chance of winning by doubleing their initial wager in exchange for receiving one more card. It is a high-risk move that can dramatically increase a player’s expected return, but it must be used carefully to avoid unnecessary losses.
Players must place a second bet equal to their original wager and signal to the dealer that they wish to double down by pushing out another chip and pointing it with a finger. They must then receive exactly one additional card, which ends their turn regardless of whether they win or lose. Double down should only be done when the player has a strong starting hand and the dealer’s upcard puts them at risk of busting.
Surrendering
Surrender in blackjack is a player option that allows players to give up half of their bet. Although some players scoff at surrendering, when it is used correctly, it can dramatically decrease the house edge. However, it’s important to note that not all casinos offer this option. And even if they do, they may not use the same rules when it comes to late or early surrender.
The best time to surrender is when you’re holding a hard 15 or a hard 16 against a dealer ace, 10 or face. In this situation, surrender is better than splitting and has a positive EV over the long run. Similarly, if you’re holding a pair of 8s and the dealer shows an ace, surrendering is a smart move.
Counting cards
Card counting is a strategy that improves the player’s odds by keeping track of the number of high cards dealt. This is done by dividing the cards into three groups: small cards (2 through 6), tens and aces, and face cards. Small cards are counted as +1, tens and aces are zero, and face cards are -1. As the cards are dealt, the count is added to.
A positive count increases the probability of a blackjack, which pays 3 to 2 against the dealer’s 2. In addition, it makes the insurance side bet profitable and allows for increased splitting opportunities. However, casinos are aware of this strategy and often kick players out if they’re card counters. They can also distract players with distractions like flashing lights, offering drinks, and making distracting noises or movements.
