Gambling NewsCasino GamblingOnline GamblingBlackjackVideo PokerSlotsCrapsPokerRoulette
ReadyBetGo! HomeBlackjack HomeBlackjack Basic StrategySingle Deck StrategyMore Blackjack StrategyProfessional BlackjackCard CountingBlackjack Rules & HistoryBlackjack BooksBlackjack Training SoftwareBlackjack News
Did You Know Odds are Better Online?
Book Picture
Maintaining the glitzy building on the Las Vegas Strip costs a large fortune. Who pays for this? You do because the house edge on the Strip is high! Since playing online entails no brick and mortar glitz, the house edge is lower and your odds of winning increase.
Play Now at Bodog Online!

Beginner Guide on How to Win at Blackjack Basic Strategy

by ReadyBetGo Editor

Blackjack, also known as ‘‘21’’, is the most popular table game. If you are new to this game, you should familiarize yourself with its rules first. Once you memorize them, youReadyBetGo EditorThere are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry  When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
  can start playing and applying basic strategies. Reading this article is a great way to start since it will show you all the fundamentals of this game.

Then, you can start searching for the right casino to develop your Blackjack strategy. Moreover, Bizzo Casino is a good example of what you should be looking for, as this operator offers numerous variations of this game. What’s more, the ‘‘Live Dealers’’ section at this online casino boasts hundreds of ‘‘21’’ variants. Also, before you join a preferred platform, don’t forget to check its security, bonuses, available payment options, and other crucial features.

Understanding the Game Basics As the First Step to Developing the Blackjack Strategy

The first thing to do is get familiar with the game rules. That is essential, as ‘‘21’’ is based on skill, not just on luck.

The Game’s Objective and Rules

The objective of this game is to beat the dealer. Unlike in some other table games, like Poker, other participants have nothing to do with your performance. Moreover, you can beat the croupier in several ways. Here are some situations in which you will win when you apply Blackjack basic strategy:

  • For starters, you win if you draw a hand value higher than the dealer’s hand value.
  • Also, your bet wins when the dealer draws a hand value exceeding 21.
  • Sometimes, you get lucky and draw a hand total of 21 on your initial two cards when the croupier doesn't. That is one of the best Blackjack rules that can secure you a good start.

On the other hand, the dealers win when your hand value exceeds 21. Or if they have a greater value compared to yours at the end of the round. The rules of the game are simple and boil down to the following steps:

  1. At the beginning of each round, gamblers place their bets. If you are new to this game, one of the best Blackjack tips for you is to start with small stakes.
  2. Then, each player receives two face-up cards. The dealer also gets two cards, one face-up and the other face-down.
  3. Staring to the left of the croupier, each participant gets a chance to draw extra cards. Moreover, they can ‘‘hit’’ more than once but should aim not to ‘‘bust’’ (go over a total of 21). It isn’t the best strategy for Blackjack players to ‘‘hit’’ until they reach the total of 21. More often than not, they end up busting. Alternatively, players can ‘‘stand.’’
  4. Finally, If gamblers bust, they lose their bet. If they beat the dealer, they receive their stake back and get a matching amount out of the dealer’s bank.

Explanation of Card Values and Hand Rankings

Before we reveal other Blackjack tips and tricks, it’s important to explain card values. So, take a look below and find out how each card is valued in this game:

  • Cards from 2 to 10 count at face value. In other words, 3 counts as three, 7 counts as seven, and so on.
  • Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 10.
  • Ace can count at face value or as an 11. The basic strategy Blackjack players use is that they count A as an 11 whenever that helps them have a winning hand. So, the Ace is the most valuable card in the game of ‘‘21.’’
  • A ‘‘perfect’’ hand combines an Ace with a 10, J, Q, or K.

The Dealer’s Role and Importance in Planning Your Blackjack Best Strategy

It’s crucial to understand the dealer’s role in this game since it’s you against the croupier. As mentioned, the dealer takes two cards at the beginning of the round. When each participant is done playing, it’s the dealer’s turn. Similar to gamblers, they can ‘‘stand’’ or ‘‘hit.’’

If the croupier’s hand exceeds the total of 21, all participants who haven’t busted, win. When a croupier’s card is a 10-valued card, one Blackjack strategy players use is to ‘‘hit’’ if they have a hand of 10 or 12-16. However, if the croupier reaches a valid hand, gamblers’ hands are compared to the croupier’s. If you have a greater value than the dealer, you win. If the tie occurs, you get your stake back. Otherwise, you lose your bet.

Learning and Applying Basic Blackjack Strategy

It’s finally time to discuss how you can learn the basic ‘‘21’’ strategy and use it. As suggested, this is a strategic game that has little to do with luck. The better plan you have, the higher your chances of winning.

Familiarizing With Basic Strategy Charts

It’s a good idea to check out the basic Blackjack strategy charts. That way, you will have a clearer idea of when to hit, stand, surrender, and so on. After memorizing the basic ‘‘21’’ strategy chart, you can move on to learn more complex game strategies and deviations from the rules. The better you memorize the basic chart, the easier you will upgrade your knowledge of the game.

Learning Advanced Blackjack Strategy

Once you learn the basics, you can get familiar with composition dependent techniques. When you apply this advanced ‘‘21’’ strategy, you not only make use of your card total but also of the hand composition. That will help you make better choices throughout the game and increase your chances of winning.

Developing Your Blackjack Strategy Based on Your Hand and Dealer’s Up Card

It’s also beneficial to learn the best moves based on your hand and the dealer’s up card. For example, when the croupier’s up card is 7, 8, 9, 10-card, or Ace, the best betting strategy for players is to stop drawing until they reach a total of 17 or higher.

Tips for Enhancing Your Skills and Creating the Best Betting Strategy for Blackjack

The more you play, the better you will become in this game. Meanwhile, you can take advantage of the following tips to improve your skills.

Improving Card Counting Abilities

Once you memorize all the fundamentals, you can try different card-counting techniques but know that this requires lots of practice. Essentially, this will help you determine the number of high cards in the deck and make better decisions at the table.

Tips for Blackjack at Casino Sites: Managing Your Emotions at the Table

Another important thing is to know how to keep your emotions under control when playing. You mustn’t get frustrated if your ‘‘21’’ strategy is failing you since that will spoil the fun. Always remember that it’s not important to win but to take part and have a great time. If you feel frustrated, the best thing to do is leave the table.

Blackjack at Casino Tips: Finding the Best Games and Minimizing the House Edge

To gain an advantage over the house, you should get familiar with relevant tips. For example, one way to minimize a house edge is to double down on three or more cards. You can find many more tips on the Internet. When choosing the preferred game variation, you should consider the house edge, number of decks, bet sizes, etc. Some variations have different rules, so it’s best to pick something you are familiar with.

© 2006-2023 ReadyBetGo!

ReadyBetGo! is an independent gambling news and information service. If you plan to play in casinos, ensure
that you are not breaking any local laws. It's up to you to know the legality of your actions when you gamble.