The Best Way to Beat the House Edge in Blackjack

In the game of blackjack, mathematics can turn the tables in your favor. Computer analysis of blackjack data has shown what the optimal play is for every possible combination of cards. For example, the optimal play when a player has a ten is to stand, while a player with a 12 should draw a card. However, this approach will not always win the game. The best strategy is to use a strategy that suits you best, but beware of getting too cocky.

Basic strategy

While the game of blackjack has been played for centuries, basic blackjack strategy came into being in the 1950s. Roger Baldwin wrote a book called Playing Blackjack to Win: A New Strategy for the Game of 21. By applying advanced computing techniques to blackjack, the 1960s academics were able to simulate millions of hands and determine the average profit or loss. They also compared the outcomes of various decisions. In this way, basic blackjack strategy was born.

Side bets

While Blackjack is an even-money game, side bets allow you to increase your winnings. While the house edge is always small, it can grow to 2 percent or more if you play poorly. Aside from increasing your winnings, you may be able to increase your margin by placing side bets. There are two main variations of blackjack side bets: Perfect Pairs and 21+3.

Double down restrictions

As in any casino game, doubling down can impact your decision-making. The rules differ among casinos, so check out the double-down restrictions for the game you are playing. Many casinos allow players to double down after they have received the first two cards dealt. Regardless of the rules, doubling down is an option to consider in order to turn a bad hand into a profitable one. This article explores what you should expect when doubling down.

Insurance

What is Blackjack insurance? Blackjack insurance is a special bet you can place on a hand of cards, which pays out only if the dealer has a blackjack. The insurance bet will pay out two to one if the dealer has a blackjack and the player has no other cards. Blackjack insurance is a good way to protect yourself from losing money in blackjack, but it comes with a cost: it can cause you to lose money.

Splitting Aces

There are two basic rules of splitting aces in blackjack. The first is that an ace cannot be doubled after splitting. This is different from most other blackjack hands, where a player can double after splitting two aces. However, if you have a pair of aces and want to make one higher card, you should consider splitting the pair. Regardless of which rule applies to your situation, you will want to learn all you can about splitting aces in blackjack.