There are several easy-to-learn blackjack tips and tricks that any player can use to improve their chances of winning. Whether you’re a beginner sitting down to play your first hand or a seasoned pro looking to brush up on strategy, these blackjack tips will boost your knowledge and edge at the JustCasino Canada tables.
Use Basic Strategy Charts
Memorizing perfect basic strategy is one of the most important things any blackjack player can do to trim the house edge down. Basic blackjack strategy provides the optimal decisions for every possible hand combination based on the dealer’s upcard. Players simply refer to easy-to-read basic strategy charts to know exactly how to play each hand they’re dealt for the best possible odds.
Print out a table of basic pg soft slot machines strategy to keep handy whenever you play. This simple tip removes the guesswork and helps novices make the best statistical plays on every hand. Over time, frequent blackjack players will naturally memorize basic strategy based on repeating optimal plays.
Know When to Split Pairs
Splitting pairs allows players to separate matching starting cards into two separate hands against the dealer’s upcard. It’s an easy way to double your bet and optimize your chances of winning when the cards are favorable. Use this quick guide on when to split pairs in blackjack:
- Always split aces and 8s
- Split 2s and 3s against a dealer 2 through 7
- Split 4s only against a 5 or 6
- Split 6s against a 2 through 6
- Split 7s only against a 2 through 7
- Split 9s only against a 2 through 6 or 8 or 9
- Never split 5s or 10 value cards
Follow these pair splitting rules to maximize your wins.
Double Down with Caution
Doubling down allows blackjack players to double their initial bet after receiving their starting hand in exchange for committing to stand with only one additional card. It’s an aggressive play that can pay off nicely when used properly. Here are tips on when doubling down makes sense:
- Only double down on hard totals of 9, 10 or 11
- Always double hard 9 versus a 3 through 6
- Double hard 10 and 11 against anything but an ace or ten upcard
- Avoid doubling soft hands and pairs
The exception is a soft 16 or 18, where doubling down in favorable situations can be profitable in the long run. Follow these guidelines to avoid costly doubling mistakes.
Play Soft Hands Aggressively
A soft hand in blackjack contains an ace counted as 11 points. Because the ace can revert to a 1-point value if needed to prevent busting, soft hands are extremely flexible. Use these tips when dealt soft hands:
- Always hit soft hands less than 18
- Double down soft 18 against dealer 9, 10 and ace upcards
- Always stand on soft 19 and 20
The flexibility of soft hands means they play much differently than hard totals. Learning how to tackle soft hands is an easy way to chop strokes off your long-term house edge.
Learn Dealer Hole Card Strategies
Skilled blackjack players try to determine if the dealer has a 10-value card in the hole based on their visible upcard. Why? Knowing this can pinpoint ideal double down and splitting scenarios when the dealer is more likely to bust. Memorize these telltale dealer hole card combinations:
- Dealer showing a 2, 3 or 4 means they have a 1 in 3 chance of having a 10 in the hole
- Dealer showing a 5 or 6 means they have a 1 in 2 chance of having a 10 in the hole
- Dealer showing a 9, 10 or ace means they almost certainly have a 10 in the hole
This inside info allows savvy players to selectively double down and split against vulnerable dealer hole cards. Casinos hate this trick!
Play Multiple Hands Strategically
Playing multiple hands at once can make blackjack more exciting. But it also requires adjusting your strategy to avoid costly mistakes:
- Treat each hand independently based on the dealer upcard
- Be extremely selective on double downs and splits to avoid burning through bankroll
- Consider fewer hands with larger bets rather than more hands with smaller bets
The pitfalls of this strategy are spreading yourself too thin and making emotional plays. Stick to the numbers.
Know When to Walk Away
Unlike craps or roulette where odds reset on each spin or roll, blackjack has a “memory” where cards seen affect the odds over time.
Here are signs it’s time to call it quits or find a fresh table:
- You’ve busted hand after hand
- The dealer is showing lots of 20s and blackjacks
- Very few or no low cards have been dealt
- The table is ice cold and no one is winning
Sometimes the short-term variance just goes against you. It’s important to recognize this and not chase losses by continuing to play. Walk away and return another time when the cards and odds shift back in your favor.
Conclusion
Mastering these fundamental blackjack tips will instantly boost your knowledge and edge at the tables. From basic strategy to advanced plays like splitting and doubling down in optimal situations, use this advice to grow your bankroll instead of the casino’s. Soon you’ll go from casual player to advantage player through experience and putting these easy blackjack tips into practice at every session.