Mastering Blackjack: Your Ultimate Guide to Beating the House

Call it blackjack or 21. The rush of mastering this famous casino game is something every player goes through. The sheer simplicity of this game makes it one of the most popular casinos all over the world. It gives players a nearly 42% chance of winning, which you can enjoy with a few tips and tricks.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro blackjack player, this guide will help you master your game and learn things you may never have heard of. Reading this guide will give you leverage over your rivals, and you’ll be able to beat the house confidently. From fundamental to advanced techniques and history to the future, we have covered everything for you. Beginning with “Blackjack Basics,” the book gradually exposes the reader to material, allowing them to play with greater proficiency.

So, let’s begin with the basics of blackjack!

 

2. Blackjack Basics

This part will help you set up for your next game if you’re a beginner. We cover the basic rules so that when you step into the casino as a novice, you can fool the dealer or players by coming off as knowledgeable. Remember, information and a keen eye is the key. So, let’s get started. 

Learning Blackjack Rules (Episode 1)

If you’ve been to a casino, you may already know about the blackjack table. However, if you’re starting, it’s a D-shaped table where you’ll find a dealer. A minimum of 2 can play this game, but this number can go as high as 7. Among the two players, your opponent shall be the dealer who deals with your card throughout the game. 

As a player, you aim to reach 21, and voila, you win. Sounds easy, right? Not so much until you read further.

Understanding the Blackjack Deck (Episode 2)

The dealer will use a conventional deck of 52 cards. In blackjack, the face value of numbered cards, i.e., 1-10, is taken as it is. At the same time, all face cards will count as 10. This means if you get an 8 with a queen of hearts, your total hand will be 18. However, Ace is a game changer and is considered one of the most important cards in the blackjack game. Its value can vary between 11 and 1, depending on the hand’s value.

As the game begins, all players, including the dealer, are dealt two cards each. The players’ cards are dealt face up, whereas the dealer’s card is one face up and the other face down. 

Hit or Stand (Episode 3)

Now that you’re dealt the card, your next step is to calculate the value of your hand, which must be as close to 21 as possible. Take this example: 

If your cards were a seven and a J, your hand value is 17. Remember that your ultimate goal is to achieve a hand of 21 or a value closest to it without going over. A hand of 22 or higher means you “bust” or, in simpler terms, lose. If you didn’t bust, your next step depends on whether you choose to Hit or Stand. 

Hit

Hit is when you ask the dealer to deal a new card when you’re sure the move will not likely make you go bust. So, on a hand of 17, you win if you hit and get a heart of 4. Similarly, dealing with a numbered card 5 will get you busted, and thus, you have lost. 

Stand

Considering your card’s value is closer to 21, you can “stand.” Now the dealer will move on to the next player without dealing you a card. There are some guidelines for when it’s a better strategy to hit or stand in the latter sections.

Doubling Down (Episode 4)

Doubling down is just as it sounds. You double down your bet and increase the value of your chips/money by 100%. Where it sounds risky to a more considerable extent, this strategy is employed by players when chances of winning are considerably higher. The rules for doubling down are:

• You can double down only for a hand of two cards before a third card is dealt. 
• Once you double down, you’ll only be dealt one more card in the game.
• If you win, you’ll get $200, given your original bet was $100, and the same goes for the loss.

When is a better time to double down? Or, how do you know you have an excellent chance to win? To answer this, you must calculate your hand’s value. If you hold a total value of 11 and the dealer’s face-up card shows a 5, your plausibility of winning increases. Facing similar situations should be a clear indication of doubling down your bet.

Splitting Pairs (Episode 5)

Splitting is an option you enjoy in blackjack that gives you an edge if you’re in a compromised position. While you’ll find different forms of splitting, the most common is where you split a pair of similar cards. For instance, having dealt a pair of 7, your total now comes to 14. Your chances with this number are somewhat obscure as you’re as close to a win as you are from the loss. It is now an excellent time to consider splitting the pair. 

Your two 7 cards are now divided into two different hands, and you can deal cards on each as if it were two players. The catch, however, is that you can’t play with both hands simultaneously. You’ll have to complete your game with the first 7 numbered cards and then move to the next hand. 

Insurance and Even Money (Episode 6)

Blackjack insurance is just like any insurance and is meant to save you from the intended loss. It works when the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, and there’s a possibility of the dealer’s winning if the other card turns out to be a face card. So, taking insurance on a bet of $100 will cost you $50 but saves you from the tentative defeat.

If, upon taking insurance, the dealer has blackjack, your loss wouldn’t be so much of a loss, and you’ll get your $100 back from the insurance. Because you didn’t lose or win any money, it is also called Even Money. 

 

3. Advanced Blackjack Strategy

Advanced blackjack is nothing but a matter of probability. The rules of probability govern every move you make on the blackjack table, so it’s only fair that you learn to utilize it in your favour – at least to an extent. Whether a novice or an expert, having an advanced strategy means you want to up your game and understand how complex this seemingly simple game can get. 

How an Advanced Blackjack Strategy Helps You

If you’re still caught up on why having an advanced strategy can help you, here’s your answer:

1. Weighing the likelihood of outcomes 

An advanced strategy doesn’t guarantee a 100% win, but it still increases your chance to win or makes the game enjoyable. With a blackjack strategy, you can weigh your chances, such as if a certain number of the face or numbered cards have already been dealt, what are the odds given the current hand value?

2. Knowing the right play 

No matter how simpler the game sounds, you have to remember that blackjack is anything but simple. Advanced play lets you gain strategic advantage using all the information available. 

3. Improved memory 

Mastering blackjack is only possible with a feat of memory. And no, you can master an advanced strategy without an eidetic memory if you commit to regular practice. How is this useful? As muscle memory builds up, you become a natural at what move to play next. Calculating the numbers will help you determine whether you need to split, hit, double down, or stand in the next move.

Counting Cards in Blackjack (Episode 7)

One of the most popular advanced strategies in blackjack is counting cards. The misconception that counting cards is about keeping track of all the played cards doesn’t hold much truth. And as we have said before, you don’t need an eidetic memory for memorizing or counting cards in blackjack. 

The method is fairly simple. You must primarily focus on balancing the ratio of low-numbered and high-value cards to assess the probability of the next dealing. Let’s see how it’s done.

Step 1: Assign values to the card 

This method is most common in the Hi-Lo strategy, where you dissect the deck into high-value and low-value cards. The value is allocated in the following principle:

• Numbered cards 2-6 = +1
• Numbered cards 7-9 = 0
• 10 – Ace = -1

Since face cards have a value of 10, they are also counted as -1. 

Step 2: Memorize and track values 

Now consider that the game is running, and since you’re an advanced player, you must know the lighting speed a blackjack game can acquire. As cards are dealt, based on the assigned values in step 1, you will add, subtract or do nothing. Soon enough, you should notice your tally of running count increasing. 

The running count gives you an approximation of your current position. You have a higher chance to win if your complete count is positive, such as +5. If your complete count is negative, the casino may take the cake.

Step 3: Increase your bets 

You should consider increasing your bets if your complete count is running positive. Consider a value of 2+ or higher as a leading position. An additional tip would be to stay moderate and increase your bets steadily, such as one unit at a time. 

Step 4: Keep track of the deck 

Many casinos have devised a multiple-deck strategy knowing that blackjack players are mastering their craft. Having multiple decks in a game will meddle with your card counting. However, there’s an antidote for that, too: true count.

To find your true count and keep up with the game, all you have to do is multiply your running count by the number of decks. Consider the following: 

Tips for Winning at Blackjack (Episode 8)

Playing can get you through the game, but playing like a true professional comes with practice. We have accumulated tips from some of the top professional blackjack players, and here’s what they have to say:

1. Bet Your Money Wisely 

As suggested by our experts, you must resist giving in to the temptation of betting all your money when you’re in a winning position. Sometimes, you may need help making up for consistent losses, but you must stick to the budget you initially began with.

2. Double Down Strategy

A doubling strategy helps you get a stronger position in the game. If your dealer shows low-numbered cards and your hand is 9, 10, or 11, now would be a good time for doubling.

Here are some more tips:

• Double your 10 against the dealer’s numbered cards other than 10 or ace.
• Double your soft 18 against a 5 or 6.
• Double your 11 against any dealer card except an ace.

3. Some Splitting Rules 

• Always: split your aces and 8s

Splitting your 8s saves you from the lethal 16, which might lead to a loss if your next card is anything with a greater value than 5. Splitting an ace, however, increases your odds of winning since you are only one 10-valued card away from blackjack. 

• Never: split your 5s or face cards

Splitting a 10 or face cards doesn’t make sense because you already have an edge on the dealer with a total of 20. On the other hand, your 5s add up to a 10, and if you have been counting well, a 10 value card in the next deal might tip the scales for you. 

 

4. Master Strategy (Episode 13)

Having a basic strategy goes a long way in the game of 21. However, it would be best to remember that basic strategy can only do so much for you and will eventually plateau. Advanced strategy becomes essential to your blackjack gaming skill if you genuinely want to work on your craft.

Here we’ll discuss three scenarios and strategies for each case. And as you will see, it’s all a game of memorization.

Strategy 1: Hard hands 

A hard hand is when your ace is worth 1 instead of 11. So, having a hand of 9 in such a scenario might mean you played an ace and a numbered card of 8. Based on the strategy card, you must look at the dealer’s face-up card value and decide your next move accordingly. For example, having a hand of 15 with the dealer’s face-up card of 7, you must choose to hit instead of standing. Choosing to hit increases your odds of closing to 21 sooner than the dealer. 

Strategy 2: Soft hands

With your ace worth 11, you are much closer to 21 and must strategize wisely. Several possibilities exist for your next move in this scenario, depending on factors such as your total hand value and the dealer face-up card value. 

Strategy 3: Pairs

Splitting strategy can put a lot at stake for your game. Knowing how and when to split can turn the tide in your favour, and you’ll only be thanking your insight – only that it’s not an “insight” but a smartly laid out strategy. As data and expert knowledge suggest, you might want to memorize the following chart to know what to do when faced with a pair of cards. 

 

5. The History and Culture of Blackjack

As a famous card game, blackjack has existed for quite a time. The annotated history takes us back to 17th-century French casinos, where the game originated as “Vingt-et-un,” literally translating to “21.” It was popularized in the courts of King Louis XV, where Napoleon Bonaparte used to gamble with the King’s wife. Now, let’s learn what historians say about the evolution of blackjack.

History and Evolution of Blackjack (Episode 9)

Historians tell us that two French card games led to the blackjack evolution. These games were Chemin de Fer and French Ferme, one being a baccarat game while the other being similar to 21, with the winning-total set at 16. French colonizers possibly brought the game to the United States, which then evolved its form and became how we play it today. 

Some historic variations also claim different game origins, including Italy, and Spain, some going as far back as the Romans. One thing is certain: blackjack originated in some or other part of Europe and was spread worldwide through the United States after colonization. 

The Italian version of the game is called Sette e Mezzo, played with a deck of 40 cards. The face cards and ace hold different values in this version of blackjack, but the main rules don’t change. On the other hand, the Spanish version is played with three cards for one hand, and the winning score is 31 instead of 21. The face cards have different values as well. 

Blackjack in the United States 

In the United States, blackjack wasn’t legalized until 1931 when gambling was permitted by law in Nevada, and it hasn’t stopped since then. Today, it’s one of the most commonly played games by Americans, along with poker and roulette. About 46% of Americans between 18-29 play these games yearly!  

Around 1000 casinos in the country provide blackjack as an entertainment game. We’re sure you won’t find one casino that doesn’t have a blackjack table – such is the popularity of this game. Due to many casinos, players prove their mettle in gambling daily.

Famous Blackjack Players (Episode 10)

The year was 2002 when in San Diego, California, the Blackjack Hall of Fame was established by several renowned personalities. Every year, exceptional blackjack players who have mastered their craft are added to the list. The reason these players are celebrated so much can be chalked up to their keen analysis and relating simple mathematics to the rules and methods of blackjack. 

We’ll briefly overview these players below and why they deserve such credits.

1. Alice Walker 

Not only was she the first female champion of blackjack, but she was also a brilliant player who outwitted opponents at one glance. Alice Walker became the champion in 2007, but she had always been a 21 master, starting to play as early as a 3-year-old.

2. Al Francesco 

He entered the hall of fame as a founding father of team play, also called the “drop card’ method. Al Francesco worked with Ken Uston to strategize and polish card counting techniques in 21 and is considered one of the most respected players in the history of this game.

3. Ken Uston 

Ken Uston wasn’t just a celebrated player and hated by many. His work with El Franscenso caused their team to be banned from the casinos. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that we must thank these two for bringing us the card-counting method that works perfectly today. 

4. MIT Blackjack Team 

The infamous MIT team needs no introduction. The movie 21 adds some sizzling details to this team’s methods, but wouldn’t it be unfair not to give them the deserved credit? After all, it’s about admiring those who learned to use their analysis and strategy to win the game. 

5. Tommy Hyland 

A great mathematician and an inspiring leader, Tommy Hyland led one of the best blackjack teams worldwide. Some would argue that his team beats the MIT Blackjack Team by several notches. His best strategy was shuffle tracking which helped him keep track of the dealt card’s probability. 

6. Edward Thorp 

Edward Thorp is famous for many reasons, a math professor by day and a distinguished blackjack player by night. He proved mathematically that counting cards are possible and beneficial, and he didn’t just stop there but published a book about it! Talk about dedication.

7. Peter Griffin 

Peter Griffin was a member of the early Blackjack Hall of Fame and is most famous for his keen analysis and study patterns. His compiled statistics are used to this day. Whenever you hear a mention of a house edge or a player’s edge, it’s Griffin’s information. 

 

6. Blackjack Variations (Episode 11)

Time and place take their effect, and blackjack is no different. Different variations of this game exist in different parts of the world. In some cases, this evolution may result from oncoming changes with time, such as when the classic blackjack moved from using one deck to multiple. 

We have compiled here a list of some most common variants of this famous casino game in case you want a taste of variety. 

1. Perfect Pairs 

It is one of the most popular blackjack variations where all game rules are the same with one minor addition. This addition is an extra bet (more like a side bet) over the one you already have. At the beginning of the game, you can decide if you want to avail of the pairing bet, the rules of which are as follows: 

• If you are dealt a pair of two cards with the same value (for example, a 5 of hearts and a 5 of spades), you get paid out 5:1 
• If the pair is the same value and colour but from different suits (for example, an ace of hearts and an ace of diamonds), you get paid out 10:1 
• Because multiple decks are involved in a game conventionally, you also stand a chance to get dealt two identical cards. You practically hit the jackpot when this happens because you get paid out at 30:1 

2. Chinese Blackjack 

There are mainly three forms of Chinese blackjack: Hokkien (ban-luck), Cantonese (ban-nag), and Vietnamese (xi dach). In some regions, it is also known as Kampung Blackjack and is most common in South East Asian region. While the rules of Chinese Ban-luck are almost as same as the classic blackjack, there are some exceptions:

• You can have a blackjack if you are dealt a pair of aces. 
• The maximum number of cards drawn by each player is 5 
• Players getting a hand of 5 at the first two cards enjoy a “lease of luck” where they can double up their original bet, and all other players must follow suit. 
• Generally, there isn’t a dealer involved, and the players rotate the dealer’s duties among themselves. 

3. European Blackjack 

Compared to Chinese blackjack, European blackjack is usually unrestricted to region. The name implies its origin, and you can find casinos in countries such as the USA, where you can play this version of 21. The standard rules are all the same, with some minor fluctuations. 

The European blackjack gives you a lower house edge standing at 0.39%. This number is lower than the standard version, giving you a slightly higher chance to win. You cannot double down on any pair and wait until you get a 9, 10, or 11. Another distinction of this blackjack version is that the dealer always stands on soft 17, and no more than two decks are involved in a game.

4. Spanish 21 

This is arguably one of the most popular blackjack variations besides the classic. People love it because it increases the chances of winning for the player. Initially, the 10s from the deck are removed, and the game is played with the remaining 48 cards. 

This version allows you to double down immediately after your split, and the player blackjack always wins over the dealer blackjack. 

5. Double Exposure 

In this variation, the dealer has both cards exposed, giving the player an extra edge on winning. The house edge is pretty low, and the dealer hits on soft 17s. Also, double exposure doesn’t allow conventional strategies such as insurance, multiple splitting, and surrender. 

Because the casino has a lower chance of winning in this form of blackjack, you will not find it very common. Sometimes, a casino may introduce this game as a marketing stunt or in tournaments. 

 

7. Playing Blackjack Online (Episode 12)

Most of our lives are now virtual, and so are our casinos. Gone are the days when you had to hunt down legal casinos in every vicinity, and you can now comfortably get registered on a trusted site and play blackjack from the comfort of your couch.

If you’re wondering what advantages online blackjack has over the traditional table game, here’s your answer:

1. A Variety of Blackjacks

In the physical world, you must cross your fingers and enter a casino, hoping they’ll have the variation of the game you want to play. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work out most of the time. Online gaming gives you the advantage of choosing the exact version you want to play.

2. Free Practice

Can you ask a dealer if they would let you practice for free? And if you did, what are the chances they’d comply? We all know the answer to that. However, many online casinos offer free practice where you bet nothing, lose nothing, and work on your skill.

3. Stave Off the Nervousness

The nervousness and awkwardness at the blackjack table get in the way of players. And let’s face it: not everyone is a social butterfly. Despite being a brilliant blackjack player, your anxiety can get in the way. A better alternative here is switching to online blackjack.

4. High Rewards and Wins

Just because it’s online blackjack doesn’t mean your chances of winning or losing are marred. The rules and statistics that govern the real-life game run the same for the online version, and you can bet your money and win high rewards and bets.

Online Blackjack (Episode 12)

We have compiled a list of highly recommended live online casino games and their advantages so you can choose the best for yourself.

1. BK8

BK8 stays the top-rated online casino for most blackjack players. You enjoy a whopping variety of blackjack versions with low wagering requirements. Your bets can range from RM5-RM10000!

2. Maxim88

If you’re looking for faster payouts, Maxim88 is your friend. With as many as 19 payment methods, you can bet as high as RM20,000 on this online blackjack.

3. 96M

If you’re a Bitcoin owner, you must deal with the frustration of trying to convince here and there to trade your Bitcoins for bets. In this age, some casinos still refuse to switch to cryptocurrency. This problem can be easily solved with an online casino game such as 96M, where you enjoy a massive collection of online blackjack variants.

4. me88

me88 provides a better platform for players who want to keep it casual. You enjoy a stellar welcome bonus and can withdraw in less than 5 minutes. The quality may be better than in 96M, but that should be fine if you intend to come and go.

5. Ons88

As a relatively newer online casino platform, Ons88 has gained a reputation in the online blackjack community thanks to various games and substantial crypto bonuses. Promotions are great, and even though some players complain about the user interface, it is still one of the best online options.

 

8. Competing in Blackjack Tournaments

Traditionally, blackjack is played against a house representative (i.e., the dealer). However, a variation of this casino game enables the players to compete against each other and add the extra thrill we all strive for while playing. Simply put, a blackjack tournament is nothing but players competing against each other rather than against the house. 

Where the game’s rules remain unchanged, and you employ all the tactics. Your focus in a tournament is to outrun other players and be left with the most considerable sum as the game ends. Some casino or tournament organizers might have restrictions or guidelines for the players. 

The standard rules for 21 tournaments are:

• There is usually a restricted number of hands to be played in each round, ranging between 15 and 30. 
• Every player receives a set amount of chips at the beginning. 
• Players running out of chips are out of the game.
• Minimum and maximum limits of bets are allocated.
• The player with the most chips is considered the winner or enters a new round with a new stack. 

Differences in Traditional vs Tournament Blackjack (Episode 14)

While the general guidelines stay the same for both versions, it is worthwhile discussing how these two versions of the game differ. 

Traditional Blackjack	Tournament Blackjack
The player aims to have a blackjack or natural before the dealer can.	The player’s primary goal is to outdo the opponents by having more chips than any other player.
You stand an excellent chance to win if you have tricks up your sleeve, such as card counting.	Card counting does little to help you gain an advantage over your opponents.
The win is gradual in traditional blackjack, and you’ll find yourself mostly playing for the next best bet.	In tournaments, you may get as lucky as winning a six-figure amount.
You have no concerns with your fellow players, and you’re only rooting for the dealer to lose.	The dealer doesn’t concern you in the tournament.
You can purchase chips midway and add as much as you want to your bets.	You begin with a set amount of chips, running out, which results in your loss.

Some Tips to Master Blackjack Tournaments 

• Every tournament’s rules are different. Read your rules thoroughly.
• Keep an eye on the chip count of all players and raise your bet wisely if you have to.
• Use the law of probability to determine the outcomes of other players’ bets.
• Bet first on an elimination or final hand to gain an advantage.
• Keep going back to the basic blackjack strategy. 

 

9. The Future of Blackjack (Episode 15)

With online casinos taking over, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the future of blackjack is already here. However, most people still prefer a physical table game with a real-life dealer, and our experts have some speculations on how blackjack will mostly be played years later. 

1. Online casinos will take over 

Many people have switched to online gaming, but most still love the thrill a real-life casino provides. In the future, experts estimate that online casinos may reduce their numbers, and players will opt for live online blackjack platforms due to their ease and accessibility. More technological advancements may provide a real-life experience where you won’t feel like missing out on much. 

2. Virtual reality 

Imagine playing from your home but in a casino, sitting across from a dealer at a 21 table. This is possible and achievable with the integration of virtual reality. VR is constantly advancing, and it’s only a matter of time before the online casino gaming platform introduces this aspect to give players a real-life experience without travelling far and wide. 

3. Cryptocurrency 

Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency have already infiltrated the online casino domain. In the future, we hope to see it expand where it is common for every online blackjack platform to trade and use cryptocurrency bets. Experts are assuming that given the current popularity of cryptocurrency, there may come a time when the entirety of the blackjack world shifts to betting in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the like. However, this might take a while. 

4. Some rule-bending 

The game of 21 wasn’t in its current form when it was first legalized around 100 years ago. It wasn’t the same even 50 years ago, so it’s only ridiculous to imagine that blackjack will not go through some or any variation in the future. We cannot exactly say what these variations will be since the game has maintained its integrity for most of history, but we can anticipate some minor alterations in the rules.

 

Conclusion

With this, your ultimate guide to mastering your craft in blackjack ends. If you’re only just beginning and some advanced terms have scared you, don’t worry. Take your time and deal with one thing at a time. You can stick to the basic strategy of the game and keep practising until you’re sure it’s time to move ahead with the advances. 

We hope this keenly researched guide will help you become well-versed in blackjack and you’re ready to take the crown. Remember the basic moves and the right time to split, hit, stand, or double down. A few tips and tricks can go a long way. If you want to further your career as a professional blackjack player, you can refer to the Hall of Fame and learn the techniques introduced by celebrated players.

 

FAQs about Blackjack

How do I play blackjack?

In blackjack, the goal is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding 21. Players receive two cards initially and can choose to “hit” for additional cards or “stand” to keep their current total.

What is the objective of blackjack?

The objective is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.

What are the card values in blackjack?

Number cards have their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and the Ace can be worth 1 or 11.

Can I count cards in blackjack?

While card counting is a strategy some players use, casinos often discourage or ban card counting. It involves keeping track of the ratio of high to low cards in the deck to gain an advantage.

Should I hit or stand on a certain hand total?

The decision to hit or stand depends on your hand total and the dealer’s upcard. Generally, you hit if your hand total is low and stand if it’s closer to 21.

Can I split my hand in blackjack?

Yes, if your initial two cards are the same rank (e.g., two 8s), you can split them into two hands, each with its best.

What is the insurance bet in blackjack?

The insurance bet is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It allows players to bet whether the dealer has a blackjack (a hand totalling 21).

Are there any strategies I can use to improve my odds in blackjack?

Various strategies exist, such as basic strategy, which provides optimal decisions based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard. Card counting can also be used, but it requires practice and is not always legal in casinos.