Blackjack Charts – How to Use Them to Your Advantage
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, thanks to its simple rules and a low house edge that can be brought down even further with a basic betting strategy. The game is played between two players and a dealer, with the aim of scoring a higher hand than the dealer. There are many variations on the game, but the basic rules remain the same. The game is played using one or more 52-card decks, and cards are worth their face value (2 through 10 for number cards, and J, Q, and K for face cards), with an Ace being worth either 1 or 11, depending on the player’s situation.
Blackjack charts can help players decide the best action to take based on their current hand and the dealer’s showing card. For example, if the player has a hard 11 (remembering that a hard hand doesn’t include an ace, whereas a soft hand does), and the dealer is showing a 6, it is recommended that the player double. This will increase their winnings and give them a chance to cover any previous losses, making for a net profit.
Other blackjack chart situations to consider are when the player has a hard 14, or a soft 17 against a dealer’s showing 8. It is advised to split against 2 through 8, and stand against a dealer’s 10. Also, it’s important to remember that when the dealer shows an Ace, the player can place an insurance bet of up to half of their initial wager. This is an optional side bet that pays out at 2-to-1 odds if the dealer has blackjack, but is usually not a profitable play.
Doubling down is another betting action that can be taken in Blackjack, and there are specific scenarios when this is advisable. This involves doubling the value of your original bet, and receiving only one additional card. This can make a strong hand more competitive against the dealer, and it is often better than hitting.
The final blackjack chart to consider is the decision to hit or surrender. Hitting is the most common decision, and is generally the right choice if you have a hand of 9 or less. This is because you cannot bust, and will more than likely beat the dealer’s hand if it’s weaker.
A good blackjack strategy chart will have clear instructions for when to hit or surrender, and you should keep it close by so that you can check your decisions against it. The best way to do this is to print it out and keep it on the table, or on your phone or tablet. This will allow you to quickly and easily reference it when playing, and prevent you from missing a crucial betting opportunity. Also, it’s a good idea to stick to a consistent bet amount, as progressive betting increases can quickly add up and wipe you out. Don’t let a bad streak compel you to increase your bets; the odds won’t change on a whim.