When it comes to blackjack, the dealer keeps a tight grip on the reins. In order to beat him, you must have a well-thought-out strategy in place so you end up with a higher hand. It’s tempting to tune your game to the dealer’s… But is it a good idea to do so?
The dealer plays last, which gives him somewhat of a strategic advantage. Stopping in time is crucial, but not easy. It’s a matter of luck, but also of probability. Bear in mind that six decks of cards are in play at the same time.
The dealer always stops at 17 (or more)
The dealer stops at 17 or more, regardless of the player’s hand. At 16 or less, the dealer will always draw an extra card. This rule significantly affects the game, so don’t forget to take it into account when assessing your chances.
Doubling your bet
If your first two cards add up to 9, 10 or 11, doubling your bet is definitely worth considering. In a case like this, you are quite likely to obtain a higher score than the dealer. Note that you are only entitled to receive one more card.
Splitting
If your first two cards have the same value, you can choose to split them and play two games simultaneously. You have to place another bet, which increases your chances of winning. Note, however, that your risk of losing also increases in this situation. If you want, you can split your cards once more after the first split.
Keep in mind that splitting two aces means you can only get one additional card. Moreover, it is wise not to split if you have two kings, queens, jacks or tens, since those combinations mean you already have 20 points in your hands.
Blackjack: insurance
If the dealer’s first card is an ace, you can insure yourself by increasing your bet fifty percent. If the dealer scores blackjack, your insurance is paid out double. The dealer’s chances of ending up with 21 are estimated to be around 30 percent.
Do you fancy a game of blackjack? Be sure to drop by Viage and participate in our Discovery Weekend on Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22. We’ll teach you the tricks of the trade!
