Gamekicker.com - All the latest video game and gaming news

When you visit an online casino or play in real life, the chances of being dealt a blackjack (a total of 21 in your first two cards – an Ace and any ten-valued card) are 4.8%. It’s wise to consider the likelihoods and probabilities that other hands offer.

The concept of dealer-busting cards is one of the most important things to appreciate when playing blackjack. The majority of decisions will be influenced by the dealer's displayed card (up card). If the dealer is showing a 4, 5, or 6, they are known as busting cards. Essentially, if the dealer has this as their up card, it is fair to assume they have a card with a value of 10 as their hole card (16 out of 52 cards have a value of 10). If we take that assumption one step further, we realize the dealer is likely holding 14, 15, or 16. Since we know the dealer must draw cards until they reach seventeen, we know they would have to hit a 14, 15, or 16. Since we can presume (not with perfect confidence by any means) that the dealer will also draw a 10-value card, the totals of 14, 15, or 16 are likely to cause the dealer to bust.

4, 5, and 6 as dealer up-cards are thus commonly called 'dealer busting cards'. If the dealer shows busting cards, you may be more inclined to double down or split where you wouldn't normally.

According to the American MENSA guide to Casino Gambling, these simple blackjack rules can lessen the dealer’s advantage and help you win at blackjack. Please remember that odds and specifics vary from game to game. There’s plenty of advice online but in a game where the dealer stands on 17 the following are generally considered good rules to follow:

If you have 9 or lower - You should hit.

If you have 10 or 11 – double down if your cards add up to more than the dealer’s upcard. If not, Hit

If you have 12 to 16 – hit when the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher otherwise stand.

If you have 17 or higher – Stand

Soft hands
This means any hand that uses an Ace as an 11 instead of a 1, such as a “Soft 17”, which includes and ace and a 6.:

If you have 13 to 18 – Double down when the dealer's upcard is 5 or 6

If you have 17 or lower – hit

If you have 18 hit when dealer's card is six or less; stand when dealer's card is seven or more

If you have 19 or higher – stand

Pairs
Always split Aces and eights

For example, you are dealt two 8's on your initial cards. Probability dictates that you should get two eighteens out of the deal, instead of a paltry 16 which you originally had in your hand. You can also gauge your decision to split by looking at the dealer's cards and seeing if they are bust cards. This goes both ways though, as some times it is best to stand on a low total if the dealer is showing busting cards.

Never split 10s, 4s or 5s

Split all other pairs when dealer’s upcard is 6 or less

Doubling Down
Doubling down is the act of doubling your bet mid-hand when you think you have a good opportunity. The primary 'good opportunity' available at the blackjack table is the dealer showing busting cards. The majority of casinos allow you to double down on 9, 10, or 11. Always double down on these totals if the dealer has busting cards showing. Otherwise, double down at your own discretion. It is best to always double down on an 11 as it gives you a great chance at a good hand, but never double down on 11 when the dealer is showing an Ace, because if you achieve a 21 and the dealer does also, the dealer always wins.

If you’re a blackjack novice it’s generally a good idea to get in plenty of practice before risking your cash, happily many online casinos allow you to play in practice mode before actually betting any money. The ‘Play for fun’ feature on Pinnacle Sports’ online casino for instance offers you a chance to hone your blackjack skills before taking any risks.
Read more »