If you’re not a card counter, you might find winning in blackjack a little challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be the situation. By following the right strategies and sticking to a laid-out plan, you can considerably improve your chances of winning this casino game. Here are some of the best strategies punters who are serious about winning in blackjack can leverage to win with ease!
1. Doubling Down On Hard 11s Is a Safe And Sure Bet
In almost every scenario, you come out a winner against your dealer’s upcard if you double down on a hard 11. As the most mighty hand that can be dealt with the player, you almost always win more money when you double down on hard 11s. You should not attempt this only if you’re engaged in a multi-deck game with clear rules stating that the dealer has to stand on soft 17. In this case, you may be better served hitting against a dealer instead of doubling downs, as that gives you a slight advantage.
2. Avoid Splitting Your Pair Of 5s Or 10s
Another strategy that pays off in blackjack is never splitting your pair of 5s or 10s. These cards (or pairs of cards) are also hard 10s. Because of this, it’s usually in your best interest to take a one-or-more card draw to the ten as opposed to playing two hands after splitting. Keeping your pair of 10s as a 20 is clever because it gives you an advantage no matter what circumstance you find yourself betting under.
3. Where The Dealer’s Upcard Is a 9, 10, Or Ace, Always Hit a Soft 18 Or Ace-7
There’s a common misconception among blackjack players that when a hand totals 18, they’re in for a sure win. Because of this, most of these punters prefer to stand on A-7 or a soft 18. It is the case when the dealer has a strong upcard. But in reality, when you hold a soft 18 against any dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace, you become the underdog, regardless of whether you hit or stand. While you remain the underdog even if you hit soft 18, you put yourself in a slightly better position. If you draw small cards like a 2 or 3, you’re going to get a pat hand which automatically places you higher than 18 and considerably increases your odds of winning that game. Also, should you draw any of the four 10-valued cards, you’re still in a better place as your hand remains perfectly intact. Again, the only scenario in which this tactic is rendered unsuitable is if you’re playing a single-deck blackjack game with S17. In this situation, if the dealer has an Ace upcard, we recommend that you stand on soft 18.
Bottom Line
Blackjack will always be an exciting game to play. As a punter, all you have to do is equip yourself with the knowledge to gain an advantage.
