Those who play blackjack
according to the principles of basic strategy maximize their potential
to have a profitable session because they drastically reduce the house
edge.
The more incorrect
decisions you make and the more favorable situations you fail to capitalize
on during the course of play, the more you are contributing to the edge
that casinos wield over players.
Knowing when and
how to capitalize on key situations while playing six and eight-deck
games can make the difference between winning and losing. Here are some
of the areas to concentrate on:
DOUBLING DOWN
ON SOFT HANDS - When the dealer shows a weak up-card (4, 5 or 6)
while you're holding a soft hand (an ace plus any card 2 through 7),
you are in prime double down territory. Here's what to do: Double down
on A-2 and A-3 against a 5 or 6. Double down on A-4 and A-5 against
4, 5 or 6. Double down on A-6 and A-7 against 3 through 6.
HITTING SOFT
18 - Soft 18 (A-7) takes some players off guard. It's a good hand,
but won't beat a 19 or higher. Since you can't bust by taking a card,
always hit it against a 9, 10 or A. Stand against a 2, 7 or 8.
SPLITTING AND
RE-SPLITTING – Being dealt a pair doesn't always merit a splitting
opportunity, except for aces and eights, which you always split mainly
as a defensive maneuver. Never split fives and tens. Split twos, threes
and sevens against the dealer's 2 through 7. Split fours only against
a 5 or 6. Split sixes against 2 through 6. Split nines against 2 through
6 and also 8 and 9 but never against a 7. If you are dealt another card
of the same value, always re-split.
CAPITALIZE ON
A HOT STREAK - Consistently betting the minimum at a $5 table restricts
your potential to turn a profit. You're just making yourself more vulnerable
to the "grind" if you play long enough. Progressively increasing
your wager during a winning streak can make the difference between breaking
even and winning. It becomes particularly effective in double down and
splitting situations, and when you are dealt a blackjack. When the streak
is over, drop back to the minimum.
PAY ATTENTION
TO THE TABLE - If you concentrate only on your cards, you're failing
to seize maximum opportunity toward improving your play. Observing how
many tens and aces have been dealt, for example, can assist you in your
end game when there are only a few deals left in the shoe.
EVEN MONEY ON
BLACKJACK – Being paid 3 to 2 on blackjack is one of the biggest
advantages players have. Unless you count cards, never settle for even
money on a blackjack when the dealer is showing an ace. You're simply
giving up too much in return for a guaranteed, albeit smaller, profit.
INSURANCE
– Again, unless you're keeping track of the cards, taking insurance
on a strong hand against a dealer's possible blackjack (ace up) is going
to eat away at your profit potential.
John G. Brokopp's gaming column appears in Chicago Sun Times (Chicago,
Illinois), The Times (Northwest Indiana), The Quad City Times
(Davenport, Iowa), The Courier News (Elgin, Illinois), The Gazette
(Southwest Suburban Chicago) and Senior Wire (Denver, CO). He's also
a regular contributor to The Colorado Gambler, Midwest Gaming &
Travel, Casino Player and Strictly Slots. John possesses 28 years of
experience as a professional handicapper, publicist, freelance
writer, and casino gaming correspondent. He is also the author of
two very popular books, The Insider�s Guide to Internet Gambling
and Thrifty Gambling.
