Play a game of blackjack with the right strategies and watch the results play out. To find out more about useful tips and blackjack rules read this article
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Blackjack Strategy And Tips
Blackjack is one of the most sought-after casino games in South Africa and this is a result of several factors. One of these factors is its low house edge which increases the odds of success while playing it. Also, since it is a game more dependent on skill than luck, players can use numerous verified strategies to develop their skills to perfection. For this reason, a list has been compiled of some of the best blackjack strategies and tips that gamblers can use to improve their chances of success. Here we go!
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What Is Card Counting?
In a game of blackjack, the croupier is strictly bound by certain rules and so its activities are limited. However, the gambler is free to use the best strategy possible to guarantee a win while playing. And this is the basis of card counting.
Therefore, card counting is the process whereby a punter keeps a record of particular cards while the croupier exhausts the whole deck. By using this acquired knowledge, the player gets to know the cards that are most likely to show up in the next hand, both for himself and the dealer. When used properly, the gamer’s chance of success increases by about 1%. This may not sound like much but the accumulation of little wins yields surprisingly huge rewards.
How To Count Cards In Blackjack
Unlike what the name implies, counting cards does not really involve memorizing every individual card played. The importance of card counting is that it gives the punter a little statistical edge in a blackjack game. Moreover, this method of gameplay allows the player to know the card stacking that favors him more, such as a deck containing more high-value cards than low-value ones.
One thing to note about counting cards in blackjack is that there are various techniques to it. The popular techniques used are the Hi-Lo system and another known as Wonging. The Hi-Lo system is a simple way of keeping a tally of the cards used. Wonging, on the other hand, is more complex and involves silently watching on the sidelines to count cards without joining the game.
These two techniques work perfectly well in card counting. The trick is knowing which works best for you and sticking to it.
Why Do Large Cards Favor The Player?
Large or high-value cards favor the gambler in several ways including the following:
- They give the player a higher chance of hitting a blackjack, thereby giving a 3:2 payout
- With these cards, players get a chance to split
- Large cards also make insurance bets profitable, since they increase the possibility of croupier naturals.
Tagging Cards And Hi Lo Card Method
The Hi-Lo system is the most basic method of keeping records. Here, the South African punter simply needs to keep a tally of three categories of cards; the high-value cards, the middle ones, and the low-value cards. This is done by tagging or assigning values to the cards.
That said, every time a high number card such as 10, Jack, King, etc is played, the counter subtracts 1 from his tally. For low-number cards (2 to 6), the punter adds 1 to the tally. Also, as for the middle ones, they are simply ignored. The tally system implies that the higher the tally, the more the odds of successfully doubling down or hitting a blackjack.
This technique of counting can be done by anyone including newbie punters. The key is getting it right and not expecting immediate jackpots. Also, consistent practice makes this tally system more effortless.
Following The Dealer
When counting cards, the gambler must be able to closely monitor the movement of the dealer. This way, he/she will be able to keep a proper tally of the cards played. Following the dealer at online casinos may be quite difficult as the dealer quickly shuffles the cards after a blackjack game.
What Is A Spotter?
A spotter is a term used in casino gambling to qualify card counters who are assigned by big players to tables in a casino. Their role is to keep count of the cards and indicate to the big players when the counts are enough to give them a significant advantage.
Tips And Strategies To Use In Blackjack
It’s worth mentioning that there are numerous strategies you can apply to increase your probability of winning at blackjack, while playing at a South African online casino. Although these do not guarantee that you will always make a profit, they can help you avoid significant losses. Some of the useful tips are:
Surrender
- Always surrender a hard 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace, which are strong upcards
- Always surrender a hard 15 versus a dealer’s 10 upcard
Split
- Always Split Aces and 8’s – This is done to ensure significant potential returns in the case of Aces. But in the case of 8’s, splitting helps reduce losses or it guarantees more money whichever the case may be.
- Do not split a pair of 5’s or tens – Keeping together a pair of tens guarantees more potential yields than splitting them.
Double
- Always double down on hard 11 against any dealer’s upcard – Irrespective of the dealer’s upcard, a punter’s best winning play is double down on hard 11. This ensures more potential yields in every game except in multi-deck games where the dealer must stand on soft 17.
- Double down on 10 versus a dealer’s 9 or less
- Always double down on A-2 through A-7, i.e. soft 13 through 18, against the dealer’s 5 or 6
Hit And Stand
- Hit hard 12 against a 2 or 3 upcard – Doing this is a case of choosing the lesser evil among two. This is because if a player hits or stands hard 12 against a 2 or 3 upcard, there is a high possibility of losing money. However, hitting guarantees fewer losses than standing.
- Always stand on a pair of 9’s when the dealer’s upcard is a 7
- Always hit Ace-7 versus a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace upcard
- Stand on hard 16 versus a dealer’s 10 only if your 16 is a multi-card
Blackjack Strategy: Additional Rules
These additional rules apply only when it is specified that the dealer must hit soft 17 or hard 17. If this happens, then the following must be done:
- Always double down on hard 11 vs a dealer’s Ace
- Double down on soft 18 or A-7 against a dealer’s 2
- Always double soft 19 against a dealer’s 6
- Always hit hard 11 against a dealer’s Ace upcard
- Surrender 8’s, hard 15, and 17 versus a dealer’s Ace
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Strategies For A Single Deck Blackjack
When you play blackjack with a single deck it is valid to use the basic strategies mentioned below:
Always hit on a 5, 6, or 7 irrespective of the croupier’s card, and stand on a 12 against the croupier’s 4, 5, or 6. Moreover, hit on a 14 versus a dealer’s 2 through 6, otherwise stand.
Keep in mind that the bonus of single-deck blackjack is that it’s easier to keep track of what cards have come out of the deck. However, the house edge is higher on the insurance bet, as there are fewer 10-value cards in the deck.
Strategies For 4 And 8 Deck Games
On the other hand, when choosing a variant of blackjack with a larger number of decks, there are certainly some tactics that need to be varied or discarded. For example, counting cards is no longer as simple as when playing with a single deck. Consequently, it is necessary to divide the total count by the number of decks in play, making the estimate as accurate as possible. Moreover, keep in mind the following tips:
- Stand on soft 18 against a dealer’s 9,10, or Ace, otherwise hit
- Always stand on hard 13 through 16, versus a dealer’s 2 to 6. If not, hit
- Hit on hard 11 or less
- Always stand on hard 12, versus a dealer’s 4 to 6. If not, hit
- Stand always on hard 17 or more
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How To Improve At Blackjack Strategies
Since blackjack is a game not so dependent on luck but involves strategies, it means players can hone their gambling skills. This can be done by doing any of the listed options below:
Play free online blackjack games – Many gambling platforms in South Africa offer their users the chance to practice free games. These free games make it possible for the punter to practice his/her skills without risking real money.
Use the strategy best suitable to you – What many gamblers fail to realize is that some strategies are specific to the player. Simply put, it means that what works for Player A may not necessarily work for Player B. Hence, gamers must choose a strategy that best suits their style of gameplay.
Learn basic playing game plans – For newbie gamblers, it is important to understand the basics first before heading on to more advanced gameplay.
Avoid placing insurance bets – Several inexperienced blackjack players often become tempted to place insurance bets. This is because it offers a safe haven along with a 2:1 payout, but it usually takes its toll on the overall yield. Hence, it is more advisable to steer clear of these kinds of bets.
Conclusion
Although blackjack is a very straightforward casino game, South African gamblers must ensure to stick to the aforementioned strategies if they want to make headway while playing. Also, take advantage of various casino bonuses and free games to hone your skills. This will help guarantee more wins than losses. In addition, remember to gamble responsibly. Bonne Chance!
FAQs
Yes, it is possible to count cards although it may be difficult to do so. Online gambling platforms make use of software that shuffles the cards automatically
Yes. Of all casino games, blackjack has the least and best house advantage of about 0.42% to 1.50%. Thus, gamblers have a high chance of winning this game
Definitely. Not all blackjack games are created the same way, so different strategies apply to each one
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