Tip 1: Always stand on a number value of 17 or more. Why? Any number over 4 will result in a bust - a deck of 52 cards has thirty-six cards with a face value over four.
Tip 2: Always hit on a number value of eleven or less. Since no card (except the Ace) has a value over ten, you can't bust when you hit on an eleven.
Tip 3: Always assume that the dealer has a ten. If you find yourself with a number between eleven and seventeen assume that the dealer's hidden card is a ten and then compare the assumed value of his hand to yours. If the dealer is showing a ten, face card, or an Ace, then play more aggressively � go ahead and hit on a 16!
Tip 4: Be smart about double-downs. Double downs give you the chance to increase your winnings. But you can also lose twice as much. With only one hit allowed, it's got to be a good one. This would be a good time to use your analytical skills in guessing the dealer's hand. Even if you've got tens or elevens, if he's showing a ten or a face card, he's got a good chance at achieving a Blackjack.
Tip 5: Split low pairs � 2's, 3's, - only when the dealer is showing a weak hand (showing a four or a six).
Tip 6: Don't split 4's or 5's. 8 and 10 are better hands than starting out with a four or a five.
Tip 7: Always split 8, 9, 10 or Ace. These cards have a high chance of getting Blackjack or beating the house. Correct splitting will lower the house edge considerably.
Tip 8: Pay attention to the cards. Counting cards is a successful way to increase your odds of winning, but it is extremely difficult � especially when the house uses multiple decks. At the same time, by paying attention to all the cards on the table you can get a better idea of which cards might still be open for play.
Tip 9: Pay attention to your own hand. This may sound really simple, but even experienced players get distracted and make stupid bets or stupid calls. Don't automatically make a bet without totaling the value of your cards.
Tip 10: Pay attention to casino rules. Whether you are on line or at a land-locked casino, all Blackjack is not alike. Check for things like time limits, minimum and maximum bet limits, payouts for specific card combinations, etc.
Bonus tip: Blackjack is a game of patterns. Think you see one? Try out your theory, it just might payoff.
