Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Winning Advantages over a Blackjack Dealer

Would you like a game of Blackjack in which you have the best chances of staying ahead of the dealer? Of course you would! Most people think that it is the other way around with odds stacked in favor of the casino. That is true for most other forms of card games and for gambling as well. However, Blackjack is different because if you follow an appropriate strategy, then you have excellent chances of staying ahead of the dealer. Even sessions that so not go your way will lead to marginal losses only. Each casino follows its own variations of basic Blackjack rules. Choose a table which gives you there three crucial options:

A - Splitting: standard Blackjack rules allow you to split, but the dealer cannot do this. You will get 2 cards of the same value on occasion, and you effectively have two hands to play whenever you can split. You have better chances than the dealer of reaching 21. Make sure that the house allows you to split before you start playing.

B - Doubling: most Casinos allow you to double a bet if you feel that your hand is better than that of a dealer. You should have this opportunity when you know that a single hit can take you decisively over the dealer. The doubling down facility enables the statistically minded to maximize their winnings from hands with good chances of success.

C - Insurance: the Casino should offer you a chance to halve your bet when the dealer shows an Ace. This is a kind of opposite to doubling and allows you cut back on probable losses when you estimate that the dealer will reach 21 before you. Though you lose the potential of your original bet, insurance helps to control losses from poor hands during a session.

Be careful of other variations that casinos may offer, and do not opt for them unless you have worked out the odds from your point of view. Remember that a steady, consistent and disciplined approach to betting will you your best chance of both winning consistently and of keeping losing days to affordable limits. Blackjack in its standard version, places a number of restrictions on dealers. These must have been originally designed to attract a following for the game when it was first introduced. A dealer has to stand on reaching 17, which can work to your single advantage. This is an important example of how Blackjack works in your favor!

Try and play Blackjack on a regular basis, and specialize in the standard format or in any one variation of the game. This will put your memory and powers of observation to best use. Memorize as many combinations of hands as you can and stay focused throughout a session. There is no harm in taking a break and trying afresh at another table if you feel disturbed by busts or lost hands. Never forget that a steady and determined approach works best for Blackjack!