The blackjack game is usually based on luck and strategy. The game is readily available online and in physical real money casinos as well as with True Blue casino codes. Most under-skilled gamblers take the primary objective of blackjack to be possibly getting a hand close to 21. However, the main blackjack aim is beating the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. This is often a small distinction but it is equally important since players can wait for the dealer to bust to win on lesser hands. This is just an example of how differently skilled blackjack players gamble.

Generally, it is hard to determine your level of proficiency in blackjack, though there are some skills that might put you ahead of everyone else. Learning these skills is an in-depth process that you can easily beat with passion and dedication. Blackjack basics are pretty easy to learn, and we assume even the most underskilled blackjack player is aware of them. The only thing that will determine whether you are a skilled blackjack player compared to others is having additional playing skills apart from the basics. This article will discuss five of these additional skills.

Basic Strategy

Basic strategy teaches players the best technique to use depending on the odds. You can break down numbers and run simulations in every possible combination in blackjack. Various blackjack basic strategy charts can be found on the internet, the same as real money pokies. The charts guide you in playing every blackjack hand in cross-reference with the dealer’s face card. Most gamblers study the basic strategy as it assists them in minimizing the house edge. Optimal play is a term used in blackjack to mean making the most of your odds. The term means that your house edge is reducing while your winning chances increase.

However, the basic strategy chart does not cover everything. It only covers what you can do with the first two cards you are issued with. You might need to know the best moment to stand or hit and special moves such as doubling after learning this basic strategy. Besides, there are still other rules to learn to become a pro in the blackjack game.

Hitting

Professional players usually hit on an 8 or less. If you get 9, double if the dealer has 3 to 6. You can hit on 9 when the dealer possesses a higher card. If the dealer has from 2 to 9 and you have 10, double. Hit on 10 when the dealer has a higher card. Double when holding 11 if the dealer has from 2 to 10. In a situation where the dealer shows an Ace, hit if you have an Ace too. If you are holding 12, stand when the dealer shows 4, 5, or 6. Otherwise, hit only when you have 12. If the dealer is holding from 2 to 6 and you are holding 13, 14, 15, or 16, you ought to stand. Only hit on from 13 to 16 when the dealer shows a higher card. Finally, always stand when holding from 17 to 21.

Blackjack Soft Hands

A soft hand in blackjack refers to a hand in which you hold an Ace or another type of card. The term soft hand comes by since an Ace has two values in blackjack, 1 or 11. For instance, if you are holding an Ace and 5, that means you are holding either 6 or 16. This situation provides you with extra options. If you are holding an Ace and 2, or an Ace and 3, only double when the dealer shows 5 or 6. Hit when the dealer shows other cards. Double, if you are holding an Ace and 4, or an Ace and 5 and the dealer is holding from 2 to 9. If this is not the case, hit on A4 or A5.

Doubling is also the best option when you are holding an Ace and 6, with the dealer having from 3 to 9. If the dealer shows another type of card, it is time to hit. Stand if the dealer shows 2, 7, or 8 and you are having an Ace and 7. In the case where the dealer shows 3, 4, 5, or 6, consider doubling. Hit if the dealer holds 8 or a higher number. Finally, stand when you are holding an Ace and 8 or an Ace and 9.

Splitting Pairs

Knowing when to split pairs is another valuable skill that distinguishes amateur blackjack players from professional ones. Suppose you receive a card pair. Let’s say you have 2 Aces, 2 8’s, and 2 2’s; you can split the cards. If you have an advantageous card, splitting your cards will increase your winning chances as you will now bet on two hands instead of one. Splitting blackjack pairs essentially doubles your bet.

In blackjack, Aces and 8’s always split. You should split 2’s, and 3’s only when the dealer shows from 2 to 7. If the dealer is holding a higher card, it is time to hit! When you are having 2 4’s, split if the dealer is holding 5 or 6 and hit when another card is held. When the opponents hold 2 5’s and the dealer shows from 2 to 9, double. Otherwise, consider hitting on a fives pair. If you have 2 6’s, consider splitting on 2 to 6 and hitting on 7 to an Ace.

Split when holding 2 7’s and the dealer is showing from 2 to 7. Only hit when the dealer is holding 8 through an Ace. Also, split when holding 2 9’s with the dealer holding from 2 to 9. If the dealer shows 7, 10, or an Ace, simply stand. Finally, always stand when holding 2 10’s.

Card Counting

You might want to learn about card counting after mastering the blackjack basic strategy. The process allows the players to know the cards that have been dealt with. It makes it easier for them to guess the cards that are more likely to be dealt next. Card counting involves the player keeping a running count of the low cards, 2 to 6, and high cards, Ace, K, Q, J, and 10. Dealt low cards are regarded to be good for the players and the high cards bad.

Basically, in card counting, you add +1 on the appearance of a low card and -1 on the appearance of a high card. The more the count gets into the positives, the better. This is also the time to increase the initial bet. You should bet less as the numbers get further into the negatives. Card counting is used by players to bet more when the odds favor you and less when they are against you. One of the most popular card counting methods is known as Hi-Lo. Other methods include Hi-Opt I, Omega II, KO, Hi-Opt II, Zen Count, and Wizard Ace/Five. These methods vary with complications.

Whereas it might be hard to determine your level of proficiency in the blackjack game, you can use the outlined extra skills to rate yourself. Typically, if you are not aware of any of these skills, consider yourself an amateur who needs to improve. You can consider yourself a professional blackjack player if you have mastered at least three of these additional blackjack skills.