As an advanced player, there are a few more options that you can use to your advantage when playing Blackjack. This article will give you an explanation of them as well as practical examples. Finally, the article will be summed up with a useful table you can take away and use. Anyway, the options are as follows:
Split
If you receive two cards that are the same number (i.e. two ‘10’s), you can choose to ‘Split’ them into two separate hands. This means that you have to double the original amount you staked as a result. You will then be able to play the separate hands against the dealer. You could win both hands, win one and lose another or lose them both though. If you receive two ‘Aces’, you should always ‘Split’ them. Adding them together will give you a weak ‘12’ but if you ‘Split’ them, they are worth ‘11’ each and there is a 1 in 3 chance per hand that you will receive a ‘10’ meaning you have a good chance you will receive a ‘Blackjack’. Receiving two ‘8s’ is also considered a good hand to split as the dealer has to hold on ’17’.
Double
When you have your two cards, you will have to option to ‘Double’ your stake or bet. This means that your stake will be doubled but you’ll only get one more ‘Hit’ or card only. It is advisable to ‘Double’ when you have a ’10’ or ‘11’because there is a 1 in 3 chance you’ll get a ‘10’ and end up with ‘20’ or ‘21’. You should do this only if the dealer has a ‘6’ or less as there is a good chance the dealer will go ‘Bust’.
Insurance
When the dealer has an ‘Ace’, you will be offered the chance to buy ‘Insurance’. The chances of the dealer having a ‘Blackjack’ is almost 1 in 3 so this would guarantee a loss for you. Up to half of the original stake or bet may be wagered on ‘Insurance’. For example, if the dealer has a ‘Blackjack’, you would lose your original stake (let’s say £10) and be paid 2 to 1 on your ‘Insurance’ which would be 2 times £5 (half the original stake) – that would mean that you would break even (a ‘Push’). However, if the dealer doesn’t have a card worth ‘10’, the ‘Insurance’ bet is lost immediately and disregarded. For example, if you originally staked £10 and took a £5 ‘Insurance’ bet and the dealer didn’t have a ‘Blackjack’, the £5 ‘Insurance’ bet would automatically be lost. The game would continue as normal and your original £10 bet would be in play. Many blackjack players think buying insurance is a good idea but the odds of the dealer having a ‘Blackjack’ are lower than the dealer not having one.
Casino Manual has summed up all the actions and recommendations to make the most out of your Blackjack experience and ultimately to give you the best chance of winning. Here you go:
