Whether you’re a novice or a pro at blackjack, there are a few things you should know before playing. If you’re just starting out, you may be interested in learning the basics of blackjack, such as how to play, split, and double down. If you’re more advanced, you might want to learn about insurance bets.
Dealer must hit on soft 17
Whether you play blackjack at a land-based or online casino, you should know the soft 17 rule. You’re likely to be faced with this situation at least once. This is a rule that affects both players and dealers. It’s a rule that most players don’t think about, but it can have a huge impact on your blackjack game.
The soft 17 rule is one of two common house-fixed rules. It’s an advantage to the dealer, as it increases his or her odds of making a total of 18 or more. But it also increases the house’s edge. Luckily, there are several ways to mitigate the effects of the soft 17 rule.
One of the most obvious ways to decrease the house’s edge is to double down on soft hands. Normally, this is an ideal strategy against small upcards, but it’s only good when the dealer’s upcard is 2 to 7 and you have a hand of nine or more.
Insurance bets
Having insurance bets in blackjack is an option you can choose when you’re playing at a casino. The bet is a side bet and plays independently from the original wager. The bet pays two to one if the dealer has a blackjack. Despite the disadvantage, insurance bets can be profitable if played correctly.
The main advantage of insurance bets in blackjack is that they are an additional way for a player to increase his or her chances of winning. They are also an excellent strategy for card counters and advanced players who know how to count cards.
Insurance bets on blackjack are an option for gamblers who are worried about losing their original bet. They also provide an option for players who don’t know how to count cards. However, the bets almost always cost players.
Splitting
Using a splitting strategy can help you win more than you lose. However, before you dive in, it’s important to know when you can and can’t use it.
A pair is two cards of the same value, such as an Ace and a ten. If you have a pair, you may split them, which is a good idea. In some casinos, you may only split one pair.
A pair is also a good way to double down on your hand. Usually, you are allowed to double down only after you have split a pair. This can be useful to players with a pair of 6s, as they have a decent chance of winning if kept together.
The most important thing to keep in mind about a pair is that they are only worth doubling down on if you can get a blackjack from them. That means you’re doubling down on a pair of nines or a pair of aces, which may not be the best decision in some circumstances.
Double down
Using double down on blackjack is a great way to increase your winnings, but only if you use it correctly. If you don’t, you could end up losing more money than you’ll win. You should only double down on a hand that you think has a good chance of outdrawing the dealer.
The best way to use double down is to wait until the dealer shows the face up card, and then double down on your original bet. This will give you the best chance of outdrawing the dealer while still maintaining your winnings.
If you’re a novice, doubling down isn’t a good idea. It will only strengthen your position temporarily, but it will also diminish your profitability of your hand. This is especially true if you’re playing against a good player.
Pontoon
Known as Pontoon or Twenty One in some countries, this card game is similar to Blackjack, except for some key differences. Pontoon was originally recorded in 17th century Spain and spread to Europe and America in the early 19th century.
The game is played with eight decks of cards, which are shuffled into a shoe. Players place stakes of an agreed value after the first card is dealt.
The first player to draw a Jack becomes the dealer. The dealer deals two cards face down to each player. The player with the best hand becomes the new banker.
The goal of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand and to have a better hand than the banker. Pontoon is the strongest hand. A player with a Pontoon can win a double.