|
blackjack style
Blackjack
Progressive Bblackjack
Hard hand Blackjack
Soft hand Blackjack
Triple shot
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack
articles
Five Worst Blackjack Rules
Free Blackjack... use it to make more money
The
Essentials of Blackjack
casino games
Poker
Baccarat
Roulette
Blackjack |
The Essentials of Blackjack
On this page we summarize the things every player needs to learn about
blackjack. Read this page if you are already familiar with the basics of
blackjack and are familiar with things like splitting and doubling down.
Dealers busting cards
The concept of dealers busting cards is one of the most essential things
to know about while you play. The majority of your decisions will be
influenced by the dealer's up-card, or displayed card. If the dealer is
showing a 4, 5, or 6, they are known as busting cards. Essentially, if
the dealer has this as their up-card, it's not a bad idea to assume they
have a card with a value of 10 as their hole card. If we take that
assumption one step further, we realize the dealer is likely holding
either a 14, 15, or 16. Since we know the dealer must draw cards until
they reach seventeen, we know they would have to hit a 14, 15, or 16.
Since we can presume (not with perfect confidence by any means) that the
dealer will also draw a 10-value card, the totals of 14, 15, or 16 are
likely to cause the dealer to bust.
4, 5, and 6 as dealer up-cards are thus commonly called 'dealer
busting cards', and offer an added opportunity in the game. If the dealer
shows busting cards, you may be more inclined to double down or split
where you wouldn't normally.
Splitting a pair
When you are dealt a pair of like cards in blackjack, you have the option
to split them. What is your best move? The rule of thumb is, always split
Aces and 8s.
For example, you are dealt two 8's on your initial cards. If you split
those (a good idea) you will be playing two separate hands, each starting
with an 8. Can you see why splitting two 8's is a good idea? Probability
dictates that you should get two eighteens out of the deal, instead of a
paltry 16 which you originally had in your hand. You can also gauge your
decision to split by looking at the dealer's cards and seeing if they are
bust cards. This goes both ways though, as some times it is best to stand
on a low total if the dealer is showing busting cards.
Doubling down
Doubling down is the act of increasing your bet mid-hand when you see a
good opportunity. The primary 'good opportunity' available at the
blackjack table is the dealer showing busting cards. This concept was
explained earlier and becomes very important in the case of doubling
down. The majority of casinos allow you to double down on 9, 10, or 11.
Always double down on these totals if the dealer has busting cards
showing. Otherwise, double down at your own discretion. It is best to
always double down on an 11 as it gives you a great chance at a good
hand, but never double down on 11 when the dealer is showing an Ace,
because if you achieve a 21 and the dealer does also, the dealer always
wins.
strip-blackjack .
blackjack-tip .
blackjack-table .
blackjack-basic-strategy .
|
