Blackjack Rules and Strategies

While it is true to say that gambling is all about luck and that the players have little to no chance of deciding the outcome of their bets, players, however, can find a fairer chance of winning against the house in the game of blackjack. With a few basic knowledge of the game, anyone can be a master in no time.

Understanding the house advantage

The house always has the edge. In this game, the house has the advantage because the players need to decide on their cards without knowing what the casino’s hole cards are. Even if the casino busts, the player which bust losses too.

Understanding the player advantage

Players can decide to raise or lower the amount of bet each hand. The house, however, cannot continue hitting after it reaches 17.

Blackjack ratio for House vs Player

When players get a natural (21 on the first two cards), they are paid 3:2 by the house. However, if the house gets a natural, players only lose their bets.

Quick tips:

• A 17 is always better than a 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, because it reduces the tendency for you to push (and bust).
• Large cards in the decks are advantageous to the players. Not only do the players stand a higher chance of getting naturals, the dealer is also more likely to bust is stiffs since he doesn’t get to choose when to hit.
• If you get 11, double if two cards, hit if more.
• If you have two Aces or eight, always split.