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5 Proven Strategies to Boost Your Blackjack Winning Percentage
Winning at blackjack with online casinos relies heavily on the luck of the draw, but players can improve their standings by practicing these five tested strategies.
Blackjack is one of the most popular live dealer and digital table online casino games in the United States. Whether you're new to playing blackjack online or have thousands of hands under your belt, five strategies can put you in a position to capitalize on a lucky deal with the best online casinos.
The impact of strategy in online casino blackjack
Online blackjack is just as popular as the same game at physical casinos because it melds the anticipation of the draw with elements of strategy. While the decisions players make influence outcomes, blackjack is still primarily a game of chance.
Even in live dealer blackjack – available at all the top platforms, including FanDuel Casino, BetMGM Casino, DraftKings Casino, Caesars Palace, Fanatics Casino and Golden Nugget Casino – the deal of the cards is random. You can follow the math to make the best play according to the probabilities and still get a card you didn't expect.
Strategy in blackjack is about putting yourself in the best possible position to benefit from a lucky draw if it does occur. In some cases, however, it's also about limiting your potential losses.
Before considering any strategy, though, it's imperative to understand the rules of the game and the betting options. Certain blackjack variants tweak these rules, so it's always wise to verify the rules of each game before placing any bets.
Rule variations might alter your approach to these five strategies. In traditional games, though, these methods have been proven over billions of hands.
1. Double down on a hard 11
If your first two cards are a 2-9, 3-8, 4-7, or 5-6, your luck is already amazing. All of these combinations are known as a "hard 11."
In blackjack, a "hard" total comes from a hand lacking an ace. A "soft 11" would be an ace and a 10. This is because in most games, an ace can count as one or an 11.
If your bankroll and the rules allow, this is the moment to double down. That means to double the size of your current bet.
The probabilities in standard blackjack dictate that you are more likely to get closer to 21 without busting than the dealer with a hard 11 as your first two cards. That's why this situation is a perfect opportunity to capitalize on some good luck and potentially double your return.
2. Split a pair of 8s
If your first two cards are both eights, you have an opportunity to improve upon what is otherwise a mediocre hand. A hard 16 isn't an enviable position, as your odds of busting are stronger than they are for getting to 19, 20 or 21.
Because you have a pair, though, you can split in most online blackjack games. This affords you more paths to potential wins compared to starting with a hard 16.
Some versions of online blackjack will allow you to split again if you get another pair in either of your new hands. Again, it's important to confirm this before you start playing.
While you might still lose both bets that result from your split, splitting is still the stronger play because you improved your position according to the probabilities. A pair of aces is another must-split situation.
3. Stand on a hard 12 if the dealer's up card is 4, 5 or 6
Inexperienced players might receive a starting hand of a hard 12 and think that the math favors them hitting. While a 10 or face card would lead to a bust, most of the other possibilities can put them in a stronger position.
Experience teaches that the dealer's hand is as important to yours in blackjack. You only win when the dealer busts if you don't bust as well.
When the dealer's "up card" (the card that is showing in standard online blackjack) is a four, five, or six, the math changes if you're holding a hard 12. In this instance, you have an advantage.
Based on traditional rules, the dealer is more likely to bust than you are if you stand. It's still a risk, but a calculated one.
4. Hit on Ace-7 if the Dealer is showing 9, 10 or Ace
This is a very fortuitous deal, as you've got nothing to lose from hitting and a lot to gain. If your third card is a two, for example, the dealer will have to hit blackjack to beat you.
If the dealer is showing an eight or lower, the probabilities aren't as certain in your favor. In those circumstances, the play is usually to stand with your soft 18.
5. Take advantage of all available information
Whenever you play online blackjack, your path to a potential payout lies in making the best possible play given the information at your disposal. This includes the cards you're dealt and so much more.
It's pivotal to know how many decks are in play during the game and what the dealer's up card is. If you're playing live dealer blackjack, the up cards of the other players at the table give you more information about which cards have been dealt and what is still left in the shoe.
In live dealer blackjack games, it can also benefit you to watch for any tells the dealer might have. Verifying whether you have the option to buy insurance and/or surrender is good information as well.
With these strategies, you're better prepared to hopefully make the most out of some fortunate deals. Even if the cards don't favor your plays, your losses won't be due to amateur mistakes.
Written by Derek Helling
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