How to Improve your Blackjack Playing Skill in a Few Easy Steps

Let’s be honest. We all want to win big when playing popular casino games such as blackjack. But the road to potential payouts or even continued success in this game is filled with challenges. One of the challenges is the perceived difficulty of the game. Compared to popular games like slot machines, online blackjack is more complex as it requires a level of skills and a solid understanding of the rules. Also, you will find the house edge that favors the operator in the long term.

Although both are true, this does not mean that you cannot improve yourself and win big with blackjack online. Yes, casino games boast a house edge, but blackjack features a friendly edge at just 1 percent. And even if it requires some skills, there are ways how you can improve your blackjack playing skill. If you want to take this game seriously, you should start improving your skills right now using a few easy steps indicated below.

Know the basics and the different blackjack variations

Blackjack online is not your usual one-size-fits-all casino game. Like other table games, blackjack is also available in different variants that slightly vary in rules. Some of the popular blackjack variants you can enjoy online are European, Classic, Atlantic City, Vegas Strip, and the Macau version. The Vegas Strip together with the Classic Blackjack comes with friendly rules. If you go for the Atlantic City variant online, there’s an option for early surrender that means you can reduce the house edge. Whenever possible, always consider the variants that use a single deck as they offer you a lower house edge.

At the other end of the spectrum are the European rules. In this variant, you can only split once and double down only if your hand’s total is 9, 10, or 11.

If you want a friendly blackjack game, then always consider its house edge.  Among the friendliest variants are the Vegas Strip, Atlantic City, European, and Macau which only offers a house edge of just 0.16%!

Know when to hit

This is a basic skill in blackjack online and one that you should master, too. One strategy here is to pay attention to the dealer’s up-card and decide accordingly. If your value is a 12, hit automatically. If you have a hard 17 or above, it’s best to stand automatically.

Now, if you have a stiff hand or one with a value of 12 to 16, then your next move depends on the upcard of the dealer. For example, if the upcard is 2 to 7, stand. If your value is 12 and the dealer displays a 2 or 3, you can hit. If you have a soft 12 to 16 (or one with an Ace), just follow the same rules. But if your soft hand is greater than 17, you should hit.

Know when to split

You should also improve your skill related to splitting hands in blackjack online. To split means to make two separate hands if you receive a pair of similar cards, like 8-8 or 10-10. Here’s one basic rule in splitting that you should know: never split a pair of 10s, 5s, or face cards.

There are reasons why you should avoid the temptation of splitting these pairs. For example, a pair of 10s (or face cards) adds up to 20, which gives you an excellent chance of winning. Also, a pair of 5s is not good for splitting since it serves as a good foundation. There’s a good chance that you may end up with a face card. If you split 5s, then you end up with two bad hands!

So, what pairs should you split? Experienced players suggest that you can split if you have a pair of Aces. If you split this pair, then you end up with two solid hands. The same principle applies to a pair of 8s. If you receive this pair, split it since a hard 16 is weak and offers a high chance of going bust.

The best time to double down

It’s a good skill to be aggressive in a blackjack online game and you can do it by doubling down. For example, you should double down if you have an 11. Also, this is a good decision if you have a 10 and the dealer has a value of 8 or lower. There are situations you don’t need to double down, like holding a stiff hand with a value of 12 to 16.

Mastering blackjack online can take time. But the tips and tricks discussed here can help you improve your skills and boost your confidence. Also, don’t forget to play blackjack in the free demo mode. With free demo games, you can test your knowledge and these blackjack strategies without worrying about your bankroll.