Blackjack

Perfect Blackjack Strategy: 5 Tips for Beginner NJ Players

The perfect blackjack strategy refers to the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack, based on the player’s total hand value and the dealer’s up card. This strategy aims to reduce the house edge as much as possible, and can be achieved by using basic strategy charts.

The basic strategy for blackjack takes into account the rules of the game and the player’s total hand value, and suggests the best action for the player (hit, stand, double, split) based on the mathematical probability of winning the hand. However, it is important to note that no strategy can guarantee a win in blackjack, as it is a game of chance and luck is also a factor.

Here are five tips for beginner blackjack players:

  1. Learn Basic Strategy: The most important aspect of winning at blackjack is to have a solid understanding of basic strategy. This strategy takes into account the rules of the game and the player’s total hand value, and suggests the best action for the player (hit, stand, double, split) based on the mathematical probability of winning the hand.
  2. Manage Your Bankroll: Blackjack is a game of streaks, and it’s important to have enough money to weather the ups and downs. Set a budget for your blackjack sessions and stick to it.
  3. Play with the Right Rules: Different blackjack tables have different rules, and it’s important to play at a table with rules that are favorable to the player. Look for tables with a low deck count, dealer stands on soft 17, and allow players to double down after splitting.
  4. Avoid Taking Insurance: Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. It pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has blackjack, but it’s a losing bet in the long run, so it’s best to avoid it.
  5. Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks: Blackjack is a game of patience and discipline. Don’t take unnecessary risks, such as splitting a hand that shouldn’t be split, or taking a hit when the basic strategy suggests standing. Stick to the basic strategy and let the long-term odds work in your favor.

Split

Splitting is a move in blackjack where a player splits their hand into two separate hands when they have two cards of the same value. The player then plays each hand individually, and must make a separate wager for each hand. This move can be advantageous in certain situations, but it’s important to follow basic strategy when deciding whether to split or not.

For example, if a player has two 8’s, it’s generally best to split them into two separate hands, as this increases the player’s chances of getting a good hand. However, if a player has a hand value of 20, it’s generally best to stand, as this is a strong hand and the player has a good chance of winning.

The decision to split or not depends on the player’s hand value and the dealer’s up card, and basic strategy charts can help players determine the optimal move in each situation.

Double

Double is a move in blackjack where a player doubles their original wager after receiving their first two cards, and then takes only one more card. Doubling is typically used when the player has a strong hand, and it’s a way to increase the potential payout on a winning hand.

For example, if a player has a hand value of 10, it’s generally best to double if the dealer’s up card is a 5 or 6, as these are cards that increase the player’s chances of winning. After doubling, the player will take one more card and then stand.

It’s important to follow basic strategy when deciding whether to double or not, as the decision to double depends on the player’s hand value and the dealer’s up card. Basic strategy charts can help players determine the optimal move in each situation.

Never Split Two-Face Cards

It is generally advised not to split two-face cards, such as two Jacks, two Queens, or two Kings, in blackjack. The reason for this is that these two-face cards have a combined value of 20, which is a strong hand and often results in a win.

Splitting two-face cards would mean that the player would have two weaker hands instead of one strong hand, and this would decrease the player’s chances of winning. Additionally, even if one of the split hands receives a high card, it would still not be as strong as the original hand value of 20.

However, this is just a general guideline, and the decision to split or not depends on the specific rules of the blackjack game and the dealer’s up card. It’s important to follow basic strategy when deciding whether to split or not, as basic strategy charts take these factors into account and suggest the optimal move in each situation.

Always Split Aces & Eights

In blackjack, it is generally advised to always split aces and eights. Splitting aces gives the player two hands with a starting value of 11, which increases the player’s chances of getting a blackjack (21) or a strong hand. Splitting eights gives the player two hands with a starting value of 16, which is a weak hand, but splitting them into two hands increases the player’s chances of improving their hand and potentially winning the round.

However, this is just a general guideline, and the decision to split or not depends on the specific rules of the blackjack game and the dealer’s up card. Basic strategy charts can help players determine the optimal move in each situation, taking into account the rules of the game and the player’s hand value.

It’s important to follow basic strategy and make decisions based on the mathematical probability of winning the hand, as this will reduce the house edge and increase the player’s chances of winning in the long run.