Essentials of BlackJack
On this page we summarize the things every player
needs to learn about blackjack. Read this page if you
are already familiar with the basics of blackjack and
are familiar with things like splitting and doubling
down.
Dealers busting cards
The concept of dealers busting cards is one of the most
essential things to know about while you play. The
majority of your decisions will be influenced by the
dealer's up-card, or displayed card. If the dealer is
showing a 4, 5, or 6, they are known as busting cards.
Essentially, if the dealer has this as their up-card,
it's not a bad idea to assume they have a card with a
value of 10 as their hole card. If we take that
assumption one step further, we realize the dealer is
likely holding either a 14, 15, or 16. Since we know the
dealer must draw cards until they reach seventeen, we
know they would have to hit a 14, 15, or 16. Since we
can presume (not with perfect confidence by any means)
that the dealer will also draw a 10-value card, the
totals of 14, 15, or 16 are likely to cause the dealer
to bust.
4, 5, and 6 as dealer up-cards are thus commonly called
'dealer busting cards', and offer an added opportunity
in the game. If the dealer shows busting cards, you may
be more inclined to double down or split where you
wouldn't normally.
Splitting a pair
When you are dealt a pair of like cards in blackjack, you
have the option to split them. What is your best move? The
rule of thumb is, always split Aces and 8s.
For example, you are dealt two 8's on your initial cards. If you split those (a good idea) you will be playing two separate hands, each starting with an 8. Can you see why splitting two 8's is a good idea? Probability dictates that you should get two eighteens out of the deal, instead of a paltry 16 which you originally had in your hand. You can also gauge your decision to split by looking at the dealer's cards and seeing if they are bust cards. This goes both ways though, as some times it is best to stand on a low total if the dealer is showing busting cards.
Doubling down
Doubling down is the act of increasing your bet mid-hand
when you see a good opportunity. The primary 'good
opportunity' available at the blackjack table is the
dealer showing busting cards. This concept was explained
earlier and becomes very important in the case of doubling
down. The majority of casinos allow you to double down on
9, 10, or 11. Always double down on these totals if the
dealer has busting cards showing. Otherwise, double down
at your own discretion. It is best to always double down
on an 11 as it gives you a great chance at a good hand,
but never double down on 11 when the dealer is showing an
Ace, because if you achieve a 21 and the dealer does also,
the dealer always wins.
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