Blackjack Online is a highly popular online casino game, and the goal is to win as often as possible. While it focuses mainly on luck, there are a few strategies that can help you become a better player.
If you’re serious about the game, you’ll be practicing often. Learn about each Blackjack online strategy below to see which one might be best for you.
Blackjack Online Strategies to Consider
1. Double Down on a Hard 11
Generally, you’ll win more money when doubling down on a hard 11 against a dealer’s upcard, but there’s one exception. Sometimes, you’ll play a multi-deck game. When the rules indicate that the house must stand on a soft 17, it might be better to hit against the Ace instead.
2. Split a Pair of Aces and 8s
It’s often best to split a pair of Aces and 8s, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. However, many players won’t do that if the house shows an Ace, 10, or a 9. They think they’re the underdog in such a situation, so they shouldn’t bet more by dividing things up.
Ultimately, most players don’t realize that they’re not an underdog if they play two hands that each start with an 8 (because they’re splitting). If they hit on 16 (the two 8s), this could lead to a loss of more money.
In most cases, you’ll lose less money overall if you split your 8s against an Ace, 10, or 9 than if you hit on a hard 16.
The bottom line here is to always split your Aces and 8s. With the former case, you could see higher gains. For the latter situation, you can win more money or cut your losses, depending on the dealer’s upcard.
There could be one exception here: If the rules allow surrender, it might be wise to let go of the two 8s instead of splitting them. This works if you are playing:
- In a multi-deck game where the dealer must hit a soft 17
- A double-deck game where the dealer must hit a soft 17 and when it isn’t allowed to double down after splitting a pair
3. Don’t Split a Pair of 10s or 5s
Having a pair of 5s is called a hard 10. It’s usually better to draw as many as you need to play on that instead of splitting the smaller cards into two hands.
You should note that splitting 10s is rarely a winning play. When you keep them together (to make 20), you’ll have a better shot, regardless of the rules or circumstances.
4. Hit a Hard 12 Against the Dealer’s 3 or 2 Upcard
Players often stand on the 12 because they worry about busting. However, you will likely lose more in the long run against a dealer’s 3 or 2 upcard, regardless of whether you hit or stand.
In most cases, you’ll lose less if you hit and bust sometimes, which is why it’s wise to never stand on a hard 12.
5. Hit a Soft 18 if the Dealer Shows an Ace, 10, or 9
Many times, people think that if their hand totals 18, they will automatically win. They stand on a soft 18 (an Ace and a 7 card) when the dealer shows a stronger upcard, such as an Ace, 10, or 9.
The issue is that holding an Ace and 7 against a dealer’s Ace, 10, or 9 will make you an underdog whether you hit or stand. Still, you’d do better when hitting on that play because you might draw a smaller card, ending with something higher than 18. This will improve your chance of winning.
Similarly, if you do draw a high-value card, you’re not harming your hand. Though you will lose, this probably would have happened anyway.
Overall, the bottom line is it’s best to hit on a soft 18 if the dealer shows an Ace, 10, or 9. You could get a 19, 20, or 21. The odds are in your favor, even if they’re not ideal.
However, there is one exception to this strategy. If you’re playing with a single deck and the dealer has to stand on a soft 17, you might want to stand on that 18 if they show an Ace as the upcard.
6. Double Down on a 10 When the Dealer Shows 9 or Less as the Upcard
You’re ultimately the favorite if you have a two-card 10 when the dealer’s upcard is a 9 or lower. Doubling down is often the best strategy.
7. Do These Things When a Dealer Has to Hit on a Soft 17
Sometimes, the rules for the game indicate that a dealer must hit on a soft 17. When that happens, you should:
- Double down on a hard 11 if the dealer shows an Ace as the upcard
- Double down on a soft 19 when the dealer pulls a 6 as the upcard
- Double down on a soft 17 if the dealer shows a 2 as the upcard
8. Double Down (A-2 Through A-7) If the Dealer Shows a 5 or 6
Typically, you’ll win more if you double down on an A-2 (soft 13) through an A-7 (soft 18) whenever the dealer shows a 5 or 6 for the upcard.
It’s important to note that where you double down depends on how many decks are used, the playing rules, and more. Here’s an example:
You are dealt an Ace and a 3. It’s a double-deck game where the dealer must hit on a soft 17. Double down if they show a 6, 5, or 4 upcard.
9. Stand With a Pair of 9s if the Dealer Shows a 7 Upcard
Players often split a pair of 9s if the dealer’s upcard is 9 or under. However, they fumble if the house holds a 7 card. Typically, it’s best to stand in this case because you’ll win more money than if you divide it into two hands.
There’s a very good chance that the dealer has a 10 in the hole because there are more of them in a deck than others. When they show a 7 upcard, it will likely be a pat 17. Since you hold two 9 cards, you’re at 18, which would win the round.
10. Don’t Take the Insurance Bet
Most people say the insurance bet is for suckers, so it’s wise never to take it if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Even if you have a good hand, such as a 20 or a 19, you don’t want to take that wager.
In most cases, the payoff on an insurance bet (two to one) is much less than the odds of the dealer making Blackjack (21).
Usually, dealers offer “even money” when the dealer has an Ace upcard, and you’re holding a blackjack hand. This is often the same as the insurance bet. If you’ve got 21, it’s best to hold firm because you’ll generally win more in the long run.
Final Thoughts on Understanding Blackjack Online Strategy Options
Learning how to play Blackjack means focusing on your hand and that of the dealer. In most cases, you’ll use the tips above to help you decide if you should hit or stand.
If you’re interested in testing out the strategies discussed in this article, visit bet365sport and talk to an agent. Though we offer sports betting, there are many casino games available, including Blackjack Online. Experience the joy of gambling responsibly today.
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