When you look at how many online casino games there are to choose from, there is little doubt that blackjack is one of the most popular. This is a game that attracts an abundance of players as they all seek to hold the perfect pair. While some may be fans of poker, those who are attracted to blackjack know that it is the fastest, and most fun, card game that there is.
For those that are newcomers to this casino favourite, you may be looking for a blackjack strategy online. Well, your search is over! If you want a helping hand, and to learn about the top strategies for playing blackjack online, then read on.
See the value of 12 and 13
With a starting hand of 12 or 13, what would you do next? The truth is that many new blackjack players would take another card. The chances are that they would then go and take another, and another, until the inevitable happens. This really is a mistake that is easy to avoid: realise that 12 and 13 are pretty good hands and stand.
Blackjack is all about known quantities. You know your hand and you also know one of the dealers’ cards. You can see their upturned card and you can assume that the card that is facing down is worth 10. If they have a 5 face-up, then you can assume their hand is 15. They must take another card which is likely to send them bust. With this is in mind, it is wise to stand on anything from 12 upwards.
Tens aren’t for splitting
When looking at blackjack strategy, you will no doubt have read that, if you have a pair, you should split. This increases your chances of winning and can see you taking more money from the table. While there is an element of truth here, it doesn’t always apply. If you have two tens, then you may think that you can split and wind up with a blackjack from one of them. The question has to be, why bother?
With two tens in your hand, guess what? You are probably already holding the winning hand. Why take the risk of splitting and coming in with a lower hand, or even going bust? Keep your tens and the chances are that you will have won.
A hand of 11 means double down
If you want to, not only win but also, increase the size of your winnings then you need to look at doubling down. This allows you to double your bet after you have received your two cards and before you are dealt a third. If you are ever dealt a hand of 11, then you should be doubling down every time. The only exception here is if you can see that the dealer has an ace.
Why should you double down? Well, statistically it is highly likely that your next card is going to be worth ten (a 10, Jack, Queen, or King). This means that you hit the perfect 21. Even if your next card isn’t a 10, even an 8 or 9 will see you finishing strongly and probably winning.
Bet to a budget
This is not so much a strategy exclusive to online blackjack: it applies to all online casino games. When you begin playing, make sure that you join the table, make sure that you have a playing budget. More importantly, make sure that you stick to this budget. It is too easy to get swept up in the entertainment of it all and bet more than you intended to.
To make your budget go further, and to give you a better playing experience, use it wisely. If you have a budget of say $100, there is little point in then betting $25 per hand. At that rate, you cannot stomach a bad run and you’ll be soon forced away from the table. Smaller bets, such as $1 a hand, can see you sustain a run of bad luck and still keep playing. While blackjack comes with the lowest house edge that you will find, losing is still going to happen. Keep your play going on longer with a sensible approach.
