Blackjack is one of the most widely-played casino games around and is known for its simple rules and high probability of beating the house. To the untrained eye, it may look much like a game of chance; however, mastering it does not depend on fortune but rather possessing the knowledge, strategy and quick thinking to outwit the dealer.
If you are just starting out and would like to learn some of the tricks employed by the very best players out there, this is the article for you. Read on to learn some valuable tips to help you make some money on your next trip to the casino.
1. Where to Sit
Among people who know their way around a blackjack table, it is commonly accepted that the position in which you are dealt your cards matters. Generally speaking, sitting as far as you can from the dealer’s dealing hand is thought to be advantageous. This is because it gives you more time to assess the dealer’s upcard than if you were first in line to receive your cards.
2. Aces High?
Depending on the casino, the value of the aces in a hand can differ. In around half of the casinos worldwide, aces count as 11. However, in the other half, aces count as either 1 or 11 – whichever is most beneficial to the player’s particular hand. Make sure that you know the rules before you start making bets.
3. Surrendering
Another rule that is variable depending on the casino you are playing in is the surrender rule. This allows player to effectively “fold” as they would in a poker in exchange for half of their bet back. This can be a useful strategy for minimizing damage when you are unlikely to win a hand.
4. Doubling-Down
Some casinos allow you to double your bet if you are dealt two of the same cards. Others only allow you to double-down if you get 10s and 11s. If you have the chance to double your bet, it is a good idea to do so, as this will increase your statistical chances of winning.
5. Look for One Deck Games
Part of the skill to playing blackjack lies in your ability to predict the probability that the dealer has better cards than you have. This is done by counting cards (i.e. counting the number of high cards that the other players have been dealt and working out how likely the dealer is to get 21.
Once you have mastered the game of blackjack, going to the casino is a lot more fun. Holding your own against an experienced dealer can be very rewarding, but it also opens the door to playing for money online on one of the many online casinos that have sprung up in the last few years. If you are interested to learn more about playing blackjack online, visit https://www.casinochan.com/en-CA/games/blackjack for more info, tips and some excellent online table options.