Blackjack is a game of chance that is played between a player and dealer. The objective is to beat the dealer by having a higher unbusted hand than them. If the player busts, they lose. Players can ask for another card (hit) or stand if they are satisfied with their current hand. The dealer must hit until their cards total 17 or more.
Using the proper strategy can significantly increase your chances of winning in blackjack. While this may seem simple, it requires a lot of intentional practice and patience to commit to memory. You should also try different blackjack variants in free mode to find the one that suits your gameplay and strategy best before playing for real money. Different blackjack games offer varying house edges and rule deviations that can make the difference between a win and a loss.
When to hit
In blackjack, you should always hit when your cards add up to 11 or less. This is because it is impossible to go bust at this point, and the odds are in your favor. However, if you are holding two face cards, it is generally wise to stand, as it will be very difficult to improve your hand.
When to double
You should always double if the dealer has a 10, 9, or an ace. It is also a good idea to double if you have a soft 18 against a dealer’s 2, 3, or 4. The only time that you should not double is if the dealer has a face card because there is a very high probability of them going bust.
When to surrender
There are many situations when it is smart to surrender in blackjack. For example, if you have a soft 18 and the dealer is showing a 5, there is a 40% chance that they will bust. Consequently, you should always surrender against a dealer’s 5 or 6.
Never take insurance
Unless you are an expert card counter, it is never a good idea to bet on the dealer’s insurance. The insurance bet pays 2:1, but it is not worth risking your entire bankroll in such a low-probability situation.
It is also important to understand when to walk away. There is no point in doubling your bet after every loss because it will not change the odds for the next hand. The best way to manage your bankroll is to stick with the basic strategy and only increase your bet if you are winning. Then, when your winning streak ends, you should return to the initial minimum bet. This will prevent you from making bad decisions and spending too much money in one session. Alternatively, you can play blackjack with a progressive betting system, where you increase your bet size each time you win. However, this can be expensive and should only be used when you are sure that you can afford to do so without losing your entire bankroll.