Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do
Blackjack is a smash hit in online casinos across the globe, and it's all about beating the dealer. You'll want a hand that totals 21, or is as close to it as possible without going bust. Knowing your hands can be the difference between a win and a loss when you're playing in Ireland. This guide will walk you through the best and worst blackjack hands, with strategies and tips to help you make smarter decisions at the virtual tables.
Cracking the Code: Understanding Blackjack Hands
In blackjack, a hand is made up of two or more cards, each with a point value. Aces can be tricky, worth either 1 or 11 points. Face cards – Kings, Queens, and Jacks – are all worth a solid 10 points. The rest of the cards are worth their printed value. The ultimate hand? A 'natural blackjack', which is an Ace paired with any ten-point card, giving you an instant 21.
The number of possible hands can vary depending on how many decks are in play. With a single deck, there are 1,326 possible two-card combinations. However, in many online games using multiple decks, this number skyrockets to over 4 million combinations!
Your Strongest Bets: The Best Blackjack Hands
The top blackjack hands are those that give you the best shot at hitting 21 or getting close. Naturally, a 'natural blackjack' (Ace and a 10-point card) is the dream hand, landing you a sweet 3:2 payout. It's hard to beat!
Other strong contenders include pairs of Aces or Eights. Splitting these can give you two new hands, dramatically increasing your chances of hitting big totals. A 'soft 18' (an Ace and a Seven) is also a handy hand to play, as you can take another card without the risk of busting.
Dodging the Bust: The Worst Blackjack Hands
The hands you really want to avoid are those that put you in a high-risk spot for busting (going over 21). The classic example of a tricky hand is a 'hard 16' – typically a Ten and a Six. Hitting this hand without the danger of busting is a real gamble.
Other weak blackjack hands include a hard 12 or 13, which should be hit if the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher. A hard 15 or 16 should also be hit if the dealer's upcard is a 7 or higher.
What Percentage of Hands do you win in Blackjack?
The percentage of hands a player can win in blackjack depends on various factors, including the player's skill level, the casino's rules, and the number of decks used. On average, a skilled player can win around 48-49% of hands played.
Blackjack Hand Strategies
The best blackjack strategy to win at online casinos involves following a set of rules that players can use to make strategic decisions during the game. The basic blackjack strategy can help players maximize their chances of winning by advising them when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand and the dealer's up card.
Hard hands
For hard hands, players should hit if their hand value is 8 or less, while they should double down if their hand value is 9-11, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is 12-16, players should hit if the dealer's up card is 7 or higher; otherwise, they should stand. If their hand value is 17 or higher, players should always stand.
Soft hands
For soft hands, players should double down if their hand value is Ace-2 through Ace-7, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is Ace-8 or Ace-9, players should always stand.
Pairs
For pairs, players should always split Aces and 8s, while never splitting 5s and 10s. Other pairs should be split based on the dealer's up card, with certain pairs being split only if the dealer's up card is within a specific range.
Surrender
Finally, players may surrender their hand in certain situations, forfeiting half of their bet but ending the hand. Surrender is advised in certain scenarios, such as when the player's hand value is 15-17 and the dealer's up card is high.
Multiple Hands in Blackjack
Online casinos offer players the opportunity to play multiple hands of blackjack simultaneously, increasing the number of hands played per hour. Players should be cautious when playing multiple hands, as it can increase their chances of losing. It is recommended that players stick to playing one or two hands at a time to maximize their chances of winning.
Conclusion about Blackjack Hands
Knowing the best and worst blackjack hands and when to hit, stand, split, or double down is essential for any player looking to increase their chances of winning. While luck plays a significant role in the game of blackjack, implementing the strategies outlined in this article can help players make more informed decisions at the tables.
Remember that playing blackjack, like any form of gambling, carries a risk, and players should never bet more than they can afford to lose. Online casinos provide players with a safe and convenient way to play blackjack, but it is essential to choose a good online casino with fair rules and regulations. Following the strategies outlined in this article and playing responsibly, players will be able to enjoy the excitement and thrill of blackjack while minimizing their losses.
FAQ
What constitutes a blackjack hand?
In blackjack, a hand is made up of two or more cards dealt to you. Each card has a point value, and the aim is to beat the dealer. You do this by getting a hand that totals 21, or is closer to 21 than the dealer's, without going over. Remember to gamble responsibly.
What does "soft" mean in blackjack terms?
A "soft" hand in blackjack includes an Ace, which can be worth either 1 or 11 points. For instance, an Ace and a six could be a soft 17 or a hard 7, depending on what you decide. Always consider your options carefully.
Is there a hand you should never split in blackjack?
While splitting Aces and eights is usually a good idea, you should generally avoid splitting a pair of fives. A pair of fives gives you a total of 10, a strong starting point. Splitting them risks ending up with two weaker hands. Remember to play responsibly and within your limits.
When is the best time to split a hand in blackjack?
Splitting a hand in blackjack is when you have two cards of the same value, like two 5s or two Queens. Whether to split depends on what card the dealer is showing and the basic strategy. Splitting Aces is nearly always a good move, but splitting 5s or 10s isn't usually recommended. Always gamble responsibly.
Here are some common scenarios for splitting pairs, based on the dealer's visible card:
- Split a pair of 2s or 3s if the dealer shows a 4 through 7.
- Split a pair of 4s if the dealer shows a 5 or 6.
- Split a pair of 6s if the dealer shows a 2 through 6.
- Split a pair of 7s if the dealer shows a 2 through 7.
- Split a pair of 9s if the dealer shows a 2 through 6, or an 8 or 9.
What's the most common mistake in blackjack?
Many experts say that a soft 18 is the most misplayed hand. Players often stand on a soft 18, which can be a mistake. You should usually hit a soft 18 if the dealer's upcard is a 9, 10, or Ace. Hitting gives you a better chance of improving your hand and winning. Remember, always gamble responsibly.
