Blackjack Strategy Charts

Of all the card games one can play at an online casino, blackjack ranks up there as one of the easiest. Its simplicity is not the only reason to play it, however. It is also one of the few games where strategy and actual Blackjack strategy charts can be used to help make more favourable decisions. A perfect mathematical strategy could possibly even increase your odds to equal that of the house if played correctly.

Good odds and easy-to-understand rules mean every casino player should try the game of blackjack online at a well-known casino, like PokerStars, at least once in their playing career. So let’s discover all the ins and outs of blackjack so you are well prepared next time the need to get 21 hits you.

The Basics of Blackjack

As you may have guessed, the objective in blackjack is simple: try to get as close to 21 and beat the dealer. A player can win in three ways:

• 1. Their total hand can be higher than the dealer’s total hand.
• 2. If the dealer’s hand is higher than 21 and yours is not.
• 3. If your first two cards dealt equal 21, and the dealer’s does not.

Betting in Blackjack

Before the game begins, players must place their bets, which pay 1:1. The minimum bet at most online casinos is £1, so you can start off slowly while you get used to the game.

Dealing in Blackjack

This is part of what makes blackjack so easy. The first card to both the dealer and the player is dealt face-up. The second card is also face-up for the player but face-down for the dealer. The face-down card is known as a hole card. There are some versions where the dealer won’t have a hole card as well. Cards are dealt starting from the left and clockwise.

Card Values

All cards have their face value from 2 through 10. Kings, queens, and jacks are also worth 10. Aces can either be 1 or 11. Your hand is considered soft if you use your ace as an 11. Below, you will find some strategy charts that will help you map out exactly how to statistically play blackjack and potentially improve your chances of winning.

Blackjack Strategy Charts

To help you along, here are some other strategies to consider in conjunction with the blackjack strategy charts.

• When to hit: if a player is risk-averse, it can be difficult to decide when to hit. We suggest you do it when the total value of your cards is 11 or less, or when the dealer has a 7 or higher.
• When to stand: a strong hand, for example, 20,makes the decision to stand much easier. It’s when the hand is in-between that you may find yourself hesitating. When the dealer has a five or six, it’s a good idea to stand. These are not great cards for a dealer and the chance of them going bust is high. You should also stand if you get a 17 or higher.
• When to spilt: aces and 8’s are always a split, as these cards together make a weak hand, but separately have the potential to for two strong hands. If the dealer has betweem 2 and 6, consider splitting as well.
• When to double down: if done correctly, doubling down can increase odds and payouts. You can double your wager once you have seen your first couple of cards, but the catch is you can only take one more card. Always consider the dealer’s hand as well as yours before deciding to double down.