The definitive guide to blackjack strategies

What is the method of playing Blackjack?

In the spirit of true Kiwi camaraderie, let's dive right into the heart of blackjack - a game as familiar as the silver fern, yet whose intricacies may elude even the keenest of minds. You see, the world is filled with folks who've heard the whisperings of blackjack, yet aren't quite savvy on when to take a hit or make a stand, much less decipher the intricate dance of the game itself. With the patience of a kiwi bird in a moonlit orchard, let's peel back the layers of this enigma and shine a light on the basics. Shall we embark on this enlightening journey together?

In the thrilling game of blackjack, your mission is to artfully gather cards that sum as near to 21 as you can manage, without exceeding this number.

Locked in a friendly face-off with the dealer, you both strive to have your stack of cards edge closer to that magic number, 21. Not a digit more, as the exhilaration of the game lies in reaching that number without exceeding it, and whoever does it better wins! Each number card from 2 to 10 is valued precisely as they appear, while the regal face cards - the kings, the queens, and the jolly jacks, pack a punch with a value of 10. Now, here's where the fun comes in - the Aces are your "jokers", versatile as they are valuable, they could be counted as either 1 or 11. So, if luck has you pulling out a seven followed by an Ace, you have the exciting option to call it an 8 or 18, the choice is yours to make. It's all about strategy, isn't it?

Should your hand in the game exceed the sum of 21, unfortunately, you are out of the running straight away. Likewise, for the dealer - if their hand surpasses the 21 mark, it's game over for them too, instantly catapulting you to a victory celebration!

As the thrill of the game unfolds, the friendly dealer sets the scene by dealing two cards to each player, themselves included. You see your cards face up; a moment of anticipation as you take them in. The dealer also gets a card face up, but there's one more card that remains face down - it's known as the hole card. Don't forget, it's just not possible to exceed 21 with these initial two cards. Imagine, if you will, a face card and a glorious ace landing in your hands; you're now in possession of a blackjack, a hand with the full 21 points. It's the best combination possible - and that's really something to celebrate!

As the player, you're always in the hot seat, with the first move yours to make. When those initial two cards are dealt, it's a moment of truth. Will you opt to hit, go all out and double down, stand your ground, divide and conquer with a split, play it safe with insurance, or accept the hand fate dealt you and surrender? You are the captain of your own ship in this game, navigating the thrilling waters of decision-making in New Zealand's enthralling game of chance. You're on a thrilling journey, where each decision you make can lead to exciting rewards.

Allow us a moment to delve into each maneuver:

• Strike: When dealt with lower value cards, a strike could be beneficial. Striking implies drawing additional cards (one after the other) until you are nearly reaching 21. Continual striking can lead to surpassing 21 points, hence losing. To signify a wish to strike, tap the table with your hand or wave towards yourself to signal the dealer.
• Double down: The option to increase your wager and receive just one additional card is available. This guideline actually benefits the player. Hence, certain casinos limit this action to hands that have a total of 10 or 11 only.
• Stand: When content with your hand, you opt to stand. This implies retaining your cards for a showdown against the dealer. To indicate your decision to stand to the dealer, sweep your hand over your cards.
• Splitting: When you receive a pair, you're given the option of dividing those cards into two distinct hands. However, you must place an extra wager identical to your initial bet.
• Opt for insurance: When the dealer reveals an ace card, they will propose an insurance offer. Essentially, this is an additional wager you can place for half the value of your initial stake, betting on the dealer having a ten concealed. From a statistical perspective, your winning probability stands at 33%. Winning rewards you with a 2 to 1 payout, however, it results in a loss of your initial stake. Eventually, your original funds are returned. Numerous players view this as an unwise wager due to the relatively low success rate, and the potential loss of the original stake plus half if unsuccessful.
• Concession: Certain gaming establishments provide this choice. If the card dealer achieves a blackjack (a total card count of 21), you have the opportunity to concede your hand, forfeiting half of your wager.

The moment has arrived and you've made up your mind. The anticipation hangs heavy in the air as the dealer reveals what he's been hiding. If his cards add up to 16 or less, he's bound by the rules to draw another. However, there's always that twist, isn't there? If he holds that elusive ace in his hand while the sum of his cards totals 17 - what we call a 'soft 17' - he could potentially hit. The tension is palpable, mate. So, how's your luck holding up?

Once the dealer wraps up their turn, the tension is tangible in the air. It's a heated moment of anticipation. You, the adept player, or the dealer, who will walk away victorious? It's a battle of the highest tally of hands. The higher the tally, the sweeter the victory. A test of strategy, a game of chance, the winner is unveiled in their glory, basking in the ecstasy of triumph.

Blackjack strategy card

To level the playing field, it's crucial to embrace that fundamental game plan offering us the optimum chances in a game of odds. Thank heavens, the masters of blackjack have already trudged through the grit and grime for us, dissecting the game from a mathematical viewpoint, cracking the code on the ideal training for every conceivable hand, and compiling it into a handy blackjack scheme. Heck, you can even unfurl a printout of this blackjack strategy chart, boosting your odds of coming out on top with each thrilling hand. This clever little 'how-to' is your ticket to conquering the elementary strategies quicker than you can say 'blackjack'!

Complimentary web-based blackjack strategy chart & resource guide

What makes blackjack a widely-loved game?

The enticing game of Blackjack boasts one of the smallest upper hands, or house edges, when pitted against other casino and card games. This house edge, in the realm of casino jargon, is embodied as the leverage that the casino possesses over you, the passionate player. Think of it as the casino's slice of your initial wager, their way of earning a crust. In layman's terms, the house edge is the proportion of your average loss relative to your first bet. This complexity gives that extra spice to the game, doesn't it? It keeps us on our toes, reminds us that in the exciting world of casinos, the house always has a wee bit of an advantage. So keep your wits about you and may the odds be in your favour in this exhilarating game of strategy, Blackjack!

There's an abundance of blackjack variations out there, yet in your standard game, the deck is generally stacked against the player by about 2%. But here's the silver lining: by employing a sound basic strategy, you can tip the scales in your favour, reducing that disadvantage to a mere 0.5%. So, don't shy away from those blackjack tables, Kiwis!

When to strike and when to hold: the elements of an effective fundamental blackjack tactic

In your quest to engage in gaming with a sense of security, it's wise to keep in mind that the dealer may potentially have a '10' up their sleeve. Albeit, this isn't a constant scenario, but having this presumption aids you in smartly juxtaposing your hand against the dealer's. In this spirit of being a helping hand, here are a few fundamental guidelines for you:

• Should the dealer's topmost card range between 2 and 3, continue drawing cards until your total reaches 13 or more.
• Should the dealer's top card be between 4-6, keep hitting until your hand totals a minimum of 12.
• Should the dealer's top card fall between 7 and Ace, continue to hit until your total is a minimum of 17.
• Double down if you hold an 11 and the dealer's face-up card ranges from 2 to 10.
• If your hand totals to 10 and the card the dealer reveals is between 2-9, it is advisable to double your bet.
• Should you hold a 9 and the card dealer displays a 3-6, it's wise to double down.
• Whenever you're dealt an A-A or an 8-8, make sure to split.

When carrying a soft hand in the passionate game of blackjack, your game-plan ought to be slightly altered. In the world of card games, a soft hand resonates with the possession of an ace which, in this exciting context, is valued as 11. This thrilling situation unfolds when the possibility of your total exceeding 21 after taking another card is simply non-existent.

For instance, think about having an ace and an 8 in your hand. This is what we call a soft hand, as your total could be either 9 or a whopping 19. Imagine drawing a 10 or even another ace - you can cleverly utilise the initial ace as a 1, ensuring that you do not jump over 21. A soft hand lets you play the game with some added confidence and daring, injecting a dash of thrill to the mix. Let me share some nuggets of wisdom when dealing with soft hands:

• Should the dealer hold a 5 or 6, and your hand is a soft 13-18, it's advantageous to double your bet. In the event your drawn card isn't beneficial, the odds of the dealer exceeding 21 and busting are high.
• When the dealer holds a 3 or 4, combine this with your non-ace card. Should the sum be 9 or above, it's recommended to double down. However, if the total falls below 9, you're advised to opt for an additional hit.
• Should you possess a soft 12-18 and the dealer holds a 2, opt to draw another card rather than doubling your bet, as the likelihood of the dealer exceeding 21 is minimal.
• Should the dealer hold a 7, and your hand is a soft 12-17, opt for a hit. Stand when your hand is a soft 18-20.
• Should the dealer hold an 8, and your hand is a soft 12-17, opt for a hit. However, if your hand is a soft 18-20, your best move is to stand.
• Should the dealer hold a 9, 10, or an ace - and your hand is a soft 12-18, opt for a hit. Stand firm if you possess a soft 19 or 20.

When the dealer reveals a low card (6 or below), it's highly plausible that they'll exceed 21. Given that 10 is the card value that pops up most frequently, that seemingly innocuous 6 could easily morph into a troublesome 16, and potentially escalate to an overwhelming 26 after another hit. If the dealer reveals a lower card, you can confidently anticipate that they'll overshoot 21. This comforting knowledge means you won't tempt fate and risk sabotaging your own hand. Consequently, you'll be that much more cautious about hitting a hand of 12 or more.

Is it possible to use card counting to boost my odds of victory in blackjack?

Despite what a lot of people might think, keeping track of cards isn't against the law here in New Zealand. It's not something you could be hauled away in handcuffs for, but the casino, however, has every right to kindly request you to exit their premises or quit your game, even if you're deeply engrossed in a lively round of live dealer online blackjack.

A single approach isn't suitable for everyone.

Quite often, novices overlook an essential aspect. Although the fundamental approach is likely the most potent one available, it's critical to keep in mind that your blackjack tactic and chances may swing, depending on the exact blackjack game you're engrossed in. There's no one-size-fits-all in this game of skill, and every match offers new unpredictability and excitement. So, always remember, in the thrilling world of blackjack, the game you're playing can influence the effectiveness of your strategy.

The cardinal principle in blackjack? Play wisely!