How to win at Blackjack
Players who are new to Blackjack often think that the object of the game is to get a points total as close to twenty one as possible. It isn't. Thinking like this has led many an unsuspecting gambler into losing their entire bankroll. The simple fact is that the object of Blackjack is not to get twenty one, but to beat the dealer - and you can do this with a points total of nineteen, fifteen or even twelve. If you want to know more, read this article - 'How to win at Blackjack - and why most players don't', and save yourself a lot of money!
How to use this simplified Blackjack strategy
The 'perfect' Blackjack strategy has to cover every possible combination of cards. This quickly becomes hard to remember, especially under playing conditions. What this simplified strategy does is give you a basic strategy, suitable for most hands you'll encounter, then takes you step by step to a more advanced level, until you're playing like a pro.
Become familiar with the Beginner's level, by playing until it becomes automatic. Then add in the refinements of the Intermediate level, and see how your strategy starts to be a little more subtle. Finally, move on to the Advanced level, which gives you one or two more options and brings your overall gameplay towards that elusive 'perfect' strategy.
It takes time to become an expert Blackjack player, but having a systematic approach to the game will help you enormously. Don't forget to use the FREE Blackjack game at the top of the page, until you're completely familiar with the game and the simplified strategy. Once you're able to play without thinking, try playing Blackjack for REAL money and reap the rewards of all your work.
Basic rules
Aces should be treated as 1, except with 7, 8, and 9 when they equal 11.
eg
A, 6 is always 7
A, 8 is always 19
Points total is the total of all cards in your hand, not just the first 2, so the same rules apply to
7 and 6,
5, 4 and 4
A, 4 and 8
all of which should be treated as 13.
Stage 2 - Intermediate Blackjack strategy
As the beginner's strategy, with the addition of the Split on a pair
| Points total |
Action |
ALL PAIRS except 4s, 5s and 10s
PAIR 4s
PAIR 5s
PAIR 10s
|
SPLIT
HIT
HIT if dealer has 10 or A, else DOUBLE DOWN
STAND
|
Stage 3 - Advanced Blackjack strategy
As the intermediate strategy, but with Double Down on 9, 10 and 11
| Points total |
Action |
9
10
11
|
DOUBLE DOWN if dealer < 7
DOUBLE DOWN if dealer < 10
DOUBLE DOWN
|
The best online Blackjack casinos
Blackjack is the kind of game that attracts high-rolling players, so the casinos are reluctant to give away big Blackjack bonuses. Most don't allow it and those that do put huge wagering requirements against it. However, we've selected three online casinos that offer great Blackjack bonuses.
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Rushmore offer a great 200% Blackjack bonus up to $1000. Wagering is a very low 20x, and the minimum deposit is just $25. Plus, the bonus can also be used on Video Poker games if you fancy a break from Blackjack. Make your deposit via credit or gift card and use the code DOUBLEDOWN to receive your bonus.
If you'd like to know more about Rushmore casino and their great range of bonuses, read our Rushmore online casino review.
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Bodog are now offering a 100% sign-up bonus for new casino customers. Wagering is 40x, and both the bonus and deposit can be withdrawn. It's a great bonus for getting started at playing Blackjack at an online casino. Simply redeem the coupon CASINOBONUS1 and then purchase your casino chips.
To learn more about Bodog casino, read our Bodog online casino review.
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Betfair offer a series of matching Blackjack bonuses up to £200. Wagering is just 20x, and the minimum deposit for each bonus is £25. Betfair also offer the unique Zero edge Blackjack, where the casino pays out 100%!
If you'd like to know more about Betfair casino and their unique Zero edge games, read our Betfair online casino review.
