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Blackjack Strategy

Posted on December 24th, 2004

Blackjack, also known as “21”, is a popular and exciting card game that involves both skill and chance. Considered by many card players as the “best casino card game in the world”, Blackjack is challenging, rewarding, and tremendously fun. Both skilled and novice players alike enjoy the game. Additionally, anyone can learn ways to improve the current skill level. For the rules of blackjack, there are three primary sets - Las Vegas Strip rules, Northern Nevada rules, and Atlantic City rules.

Las Vegas Strip

For this set of rules, the dealer draws to totals of 16 or less and stands on totals ranging from 17 to 21. On any initial hand, players can double down or split pairs. In fact, all pairs can be split and drawn on with an initial hand, excluding Aces. Additionally, players would only get one card on each split Ace. Typically, doubling after a split would be allowed, as would re-splitting.

When players get a Blackjack, they would be paid 1.5 to 1. If insurance is purchased on the dealer Ace, this would increase to 2 to 1. There are also rules in this same set known as Downtown Las Vegas rules, which are the same except in this case, the dealer draws to a soft 17. Additionally, most casinos have tighter rules regarding play after a split. If you are looking for the best games that offer the highest player advantage, you would generally find these on the Las Vegas strip.

Northern Nevada

With the Northern Nevada rules for Blackjack, the dealer again draws to a total of 16 and stands on 17 to 21 with the exception of a soft 17 at which time he or she must take a hit. Players are permitted to double down with a 10 and 11 only but can split with any pair. The pairs can also be re-split and drawn to an initial hand except for Aces. For each of the split Aces, players would get just one card. Additionally, a double down after a split is not always allowed. Finally, getting a Blackjack pays 1.5 to 1 but with insurance on a dealer’s Ace, this changes to 2 to 1.

Atlantic City

The rules here also include the dealer drawing on totals of 16 or less and standing on totals of 17 to 21. Players are permitted to double down on an initial hand and they can split any initial pair. Keep in mind that for these rules, a double down after a split is fine but not re-splitting and only one card is dealt on split Aces. As with the other rules, Blackjack pays 1.5 to 1 but with insurance on a dealer Ace, 2 to 1.

Of all three rules, the Atlantic City rules are by far the most favorable to a player. Additionally, the Blackjack and other gaming rules are regulated by the New Jersey gaming authorities, making them the same from one casino to another, unlike Nevada and other places where legalized gambling occurs.

Insurance

With Blackjack, you can purchase insurance, which is basically a side bet that when a dealer has an Ace showing, he or she also has a 10 point card in the hole. Now, if you look at standard card distribution with a 2 to 1 payoff, that means there is approximately 8% not in your favor. On the other hand, if you paid attention and know when the rest of the deck has less than twice as many cards that are not 10’s than it does 10’s, it would be a good bet.

Tips for Winning

There are many different strategies that can be used to win Blackjack but we would recommend the following:

Always play Blackjack at a reputable in-person or online casino

Find the best odds since small adjustments of the rules can make a big difference in your chances of winning

Use Blackjack strategy cards, which will show you how to play each hand successfully.

Look for the best bonuses, which are why many people use online gambling. With high bonuses such as 100% cash match on your initial purchase, you benefit.