Do you remember the four Blackjack tips from the previous article? If you find them challenging to absorb, it’s because these tips are unique techniques created by experienced players.
To effectively apply these strategies, you need a good amount of experience with the game. In this article, I will delve into four more advanced Blackjack tips to complete your knowledge.
Once you have these eight tips in your arsenal, you’ll be better equipped to excel in Blackjack.
Blackjack Tips (5): Advanced Doubling Down Strategy
The fifth Blackjack tip we’ll discuss is the common action of “doubling down.” According to standard international Blackjack rules, players are allowed to double down when the total of their initial two cards is 8, 9, 10, or 11.
However, in some places or online platforms, the rules have been adjusted to allow players to double down regardless of the total of their initial cards.
This modification adds more excitement and variability to the game, giving players a broader range of control.
For example, if a player’s initial two cards have a total of only 5 points, they can still choose to double down and test their luck. If the outcome is a bust for the dealer, the player will receive double the payout amount.
However, it’s crucial to note that the decision to double down should be based on the specific situation. Whenever the dealer’s face-up card is not an “Ace” or a 10-point card, players can consider doubling down.
The reason behind this is simple: cards worth 10 points (10, J, Q, K) are abundant in a standard deck of 52 cards. With 6 to 8 decks in a shoe, there are a total of 96 to 128 of these 10-point cards available.
Therefore, the probability of drawing a 10-point card is relatively high. By doubling down strategically in such situations, players can increase their chances of growing their chips.
When they win, the payout is doubled, making this technique an effective way to accumulate chips over time.
Blackjack Tips (6): Surrender When Facing an Ace
You might be familiar with the concept of “surrender” in Blackjack, where players can forfeit half of their bet when they believe they have a losing hand. However, when should you surrender?
The sixth Blackjack tip is simple: whenever the dealer’s face-up card is an “Ace,” surrendering is the right move. You might wonder, “But can’t I buy insurance when the dealer has an Ace?”
Yes, you can indeed purchase insurance when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. It costs half of your initial bet, and if the dealer has a Blackjack, you’ll receive a payout of 2 times your insurance bet.
So why surrender instead of buying insurance when facing an Ace? The reason is straightforward. As previously mentioned, 10-point cards (10, J, Q, K) are abundant in the deck, and an Ace combined with a 10-point card forms a Blackjack.
Since the probability of drawing a 10-point card is relatively high, it’s risky to buy insurance. If the dealer doesn’t have a Blackjack, you’ll lose both your original bet and the insurance bet.
In contrast, surrendering allows you to retrieve half of your chips, making it a wise choice in such situations. Remember, Blackjack is a game that should be approached with a long-term perspective, and players who leave the table with steadily growing chips are the true winners.
Blackjack Tips (7): The Importance of 10-Point Cards
Expanding on the previous point, the seventh Blackjack tip emphasizes the importance of “10-point cards.” As you’ve learned, Ace combined with a 10-point card forms a Blackjack, and a hand with two 10-point cards has a total of 20 points, which is very close to 21.
When playing Blackjack, whether it’s the initial two cards or the dealer’s face-up card, the presence of 10-point cards significantly influences the outcome of the game.
Consider a shoe with 8 complete decks of playing cards. This shoe contains a total of “128 10-point cards” (4 each of 10, J, Q, K) out of 416 cards in total. This means that the probability of drawing a 10-point card in each hand is approximately 30%.
A 30% probability is relatively high in card games, and it’s crucial to observe the frequency and quantity of 10-point cards in the current game.
If you notice that the game has seen fewer 10-point cards in previous hands, it’s highly likely that their frequency will increase in subsequent hands.
By paying attention and memorizing these patterns, you can reduce the likelihood of losses and significantly improve your win rate.
Blackjack Tips (8): The Dealer's Aura Determines Your Fate
Now, let’s move on to the eighth Blackjack tip. While it may not be a technical strategy, it’s a crucial aspect of the game that many players pay close attention to: the “dealer’s aura.”
Whether you’re playing at a physical Blackjack table or an online casino with live dealers, the dealer’s demeanor and presence play a significant role in your overall gaming experience.
Experienced players often choose their Blackjack tables based on the dealer’s demeanor. For instance, a gentle and friendly dealer who handles the cards with finesse and has a pleasant voice can create a more enjoyable atmosphere for players.
On the other hand, a dealer who is quick and businesslike may have a more serious and competitive aura, which can affect players’ decisions and actions at the table.
Therefore, the eighth Blackjack tip to remember is that the dealer is the first person to interact with the cards, and their energy can influence the game’s outcomes.
When a dealer is in a competitive mode, players tend to become more cautious and may not take risks as they would with a more relaxed dealer.
Keep in mind that the dealer’s aura can impact the dynamics of the game, so adapt your strategy accordingly. Staying composed and making informed decisions is crucial when dealing with dealers of varying auras.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read through these eight Blackjack tips, I hope you feel more confident in your Blackjack skills.
Whether you’re employing card counting methods, using splitting strategies, or applying these advanced techniques, the key takeaway is to assess the current situation in each game and act accordingly.
