Blackjack is a widely popular casino game. To succeed, you will need both strategy and luck. Usually, it has been observed at Deltin Blackjack events that players with a good strategy significantly increase their chances of succeeding. When we say ‘strategy’, it simply means that you should know what to do depending on the cards in your hand and the dealer’s visible card. For example, with a solid plan, you know when to:
- “Hit” (take another card)
- “Stand” (keep your current hand)
- “Double down” (increase your bet)
Following these basic rules can improve your chances of winning and reduce losses. This happens because instead of guessing, you play with a clear game plan based on math and logic.
Wish to know some of the best blackjack tips? Let us elaborate on the top five card game strategies for the next time you visit our casino.
Stand at the right time
Check for these two situations:
- Your total cards add up to 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, and
- The dealer’s visible card is a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
If these two situations occur simultaneously, we recommend that you stand (do not take another card).
That’s because the dealer has a higher chance of going over 21 (busting) when their visible card is low. By standing, you avoid the risk of getting a high card yourself and busting.
Using this blackjack tip, you let the dealer take the risk of drawing more cards (hoping they will lose). This card game strategy relies on the belief that a “weak dealer card” gives you an advantage.
Know when to hit
Check for these two situations:
- Your cards add up to 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, and
- The dealer’s visible card is 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace.
Now, you should hit (take another card). That’s because the dealer’s upcard is strong. This simply means they likely have a good chance of building a high total, like 18, 19, or more.
In this situation, if you stand with a total between 12 and 16, your hand will probably lose against their stronger hand. However, following this blackjack tip, you try to improve your total. This increases your chances of getting closer to 21, even though there’s some risk of busting.
Prefer splitting aces and 8s
If you get two Aces or two 8s, it is always a preferred card game strategy to split them into two separate hands. You can do it as follows:
| For Aces | For 8s |
| A pair of 8s adds up to 16. Be aware that this is a weak hand. That’s because it’s hard to win with. By splitting the 8s, you get to start two new hands with 8. This gives you better chances of improving both hands to totals like 18 or 19. | A pair of 8s adds up to 16. Be aware that this is a weak hand. That’s because it’s hard to win with. By splitting the 8s, you get to start two new hands with 8. This gives you better chances of improving both hands to totals like 18 or 19. |
This blackjack tip of splitting increases your chances of winning rather than sticking with one weak or risky hand.
Double down only when needed
Check for these two situations:
- Your two starting cards add up to 11, and
- The dealer’s visible card is between 2 and 10
In such a situation, you should double down (double your bet and take one more card).
That’s because, with a total of 11, you have a very high chance of drawing a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). If you succeed in doing so, this will give you a total of 21 (a nearly unbeatable hand). At the same time, the dealer’s visible card is not an Ace, so they are less likely to have a very strong hand.
By using this blackjack tip, you significantly increase your winnings because the odds are in your favour.
Smartly choose when to hit or double down
Check for these two situations:
- Your hand includes an Ace, and
- A card between 2 and 6 (making a total of 13 to 17)
Please note that this is a special situation as the Ace gives flexibility. If you take another card and the total goes above 21, the Ace can switch from 11 to 1, so you don’t bust. For example, with Ace + 6, drawing a 10 makes it Ace (1) + 6 + 10 = 17.
In such a situation, we recommend that you hit (take another card) or, in some cases, double down (double your bet and take one more card). Let’s see how to choose:
| Hit | Double down |
| If the dealer has a strong visible card (like 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace), you should “hit”.This gives you a chance to improve your hand. | If the dealer’s visible card is weak (4, 5, or 6), they’re more likely to bust. Here, double your bet to increase winnings. |
Using this blackjack tip, you can increase your chances of building a stronger hand without risking too much.
Conclusion
Blackjack is a strategic game that blends both skill and luck. Deltin strongly recommends all guests build a solid plan. Your chances of winning significantly improve when you know how to make specific moves based on your hand and the dealer’s visible card.
For hands totalling 12-16, “standing” is a smart move when the dealer shows 2-6. On the other hand, if the dealer’s card is 7-Ace, “hitting” improves your hand against their stronger position. Moreover, you should always split Aces and 8s. That’s because splitting Aces increases your chance of a 21, and splitting 8s avoids the weak total of 16. By following these blackjack tips, you can increase your chances of winning at all the Deltin Blackjack events. Want to play smart and gain an edge over the house? Build your strategy and join us at our next blackjack event!