Blackjack Tips
The game of blackjack favors the dealer; if both you and the dealer
bust (i.e., exceed 21), you lose. Still many people win money at the
21 tables, and there are as many experts on the subject as there are
people willing to listen to them. If you want to prolong your ride at
the table, the following elementary rules may prove useful.
1) Find a table whose minimum is no more than 5% of you total stash.
In picking a table, consider rule variations that help the player like
the option of doubling down on any two cards, or the dealer having to
stand on soft 17. Even if you don't completely understand them, these
rule variations can work to your advantage.
2) Start with the basics: Since the dealer has to hit (take a card)
on any hand 16 or lower, you'll never win with less than 17 unless the
dealer busts. Take a hit on any hand below 17 when the dealer shows
ace, K, Q, J, 10, 9, or 8, cards that are unlikely to make the dealer
bust. Stand on any hand above 11 when the dealer shows a 4,5, or 6,
cards that will lead then dealer to bust more than 40% of the time.
3) "Doubling down" involves doubling your bet and receiving one
additional card when your suspect strongly that you will beat the
dealer by doing so. This is the player's chief advantage, so don't
ignore this option. Doubling with 10 against a 9 or lower and with any
hand of 11. Rules permitting, double with 9, or with "soft" hands
(hands that count an ace as 11) of 13-17 against a 4, 5, or 6.
4) If you are dealt two cards of the same value, you may "split" them,
doubling your bet and playing two hands. Never split 10's or 5's.
Always split 8's or 7's against a dealer's card of equal or lower
value. Always split 2's or 3's against a 4, 5, or 6. Always split
aces. Never split face cards, 10's, or 5's.
5) Tip (or "toke") the dealer, as they are not unionized, work for
lousy wages, and depend on your generosity. Unless you're winning
serious stakes, a dollar chip every twenty or so hands is generally
appropriate. If you want to make sure the dealer has your best
interests at heart, place the tip right in front of your wagering
circle, essentially turning it into a side bet on your hand. If you
win, the dealer's tip doubles.
After all, good luck!
Yan Zhuang