Tips for Gambling on Blackjack

Blackjack is considered the most winnable game in casino card games. So much so that some casinos have changed the rules to secure a bigger win for the house. If you find yourself betting on a hand, you have the opportunity to win big, but only if you know the rules and these tips. Here are some suggestions to help you win big at the tables the next time you bet on blackjack.

The rules of Blackjack, or 21, are simple. You are dealt 2 cards to start with, and you can get more. You try to make your cards add up to 21, without going over. Aces are worth one or 11, face cards are worth 10, and all others are worth their face value. If you get an Ace and a face card or ten when the cards are dealt, you have a "Blackjack" and you will win more. Check the table for payout amounts.

Now that you understand the rules, here are the tips.

Do not take insurance. Insurance is available when the dealer has an ace showing. It is never a good idea because it costs you extra to buy insurance, and the most you can lose is your bet. Because you should always gamble only as much as you can afford to lose, the insurance is not going to stop you from going broke. In other words, if you can't afford the bet in the first place, don't rely on the insurance to save you if the dealer has Blackjack.
Always split your Aces and 8s.
Never split your 10s, 4s, or 5s.

Split all other pairs when the dealers upcard is less than 6.

Below are tips for each amount that your cards can create, from 21 down to 9 and lower.

21: Stand

20: Stand

19: Stand

18: Hit when the dealer's card is 6 or lower. For a soft 18, double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6.

17: Hit a soft 17 if the dealer's card is a 10. For a soft 17, double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6.

16: Stand if the dealer shows 6 or lower if it's a hard 16. For a soft 16, double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6.

15: Stand if the dealer shows 6 or lower if it's a hard 15. For a soft 15, double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6.

14: Stand if the dealer shows 6 or lower if it's a hard 14. For a soft 14, double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6.

13: Stand if the dealer shows 6 or lower if it's a hard 13. For a soft 13, double down when the dealer has a 5 or 6.

12: If the dealer's card is a 2, 3, or 7 and higher, you should hit a hard 12. If it is a 4, 5, or 6, you should stand.

11: Double down if your cards equal more than the dealers upcard. Otherwise, hit.

10: Double down if your cards equal more than the dealers upcard. Otherwise, hit.

9: Hit on everything 9 and lower.

Using these tips, you might just win your next round of blackjack when betting at a casino. This strategy will help you make the most of your resources at the table, and you will be able to walk away a winner.