Earlier this year, I was asked to speak to a group of inexperienced players before their casino trip. One who had just started playing blackjack said he was confused over why the house had an edge. After all, the dealer is stuck hitting or standing according to set rules, while players can make decisions, and the dealer can’t double down, split pairs or get paid 3-2 on blackjacks.
Why Does the House Have an Edge in Blackjack? Read More »
There are blackjack decisions that are cut-and-dried, and then there are those that are closer calls. One of the closer calls comes when you have 13 and the dealer’s face up card is a 2. Basic strategy tells us the best play is to stand and not take a chance on busting, but the difference isn’t large.
Blackjack Strategy when Playing Head to Head with Dealer Read More »
Last month I relayed comments from a blackjack player who had trouble convincing himself to follow the basic strategy play of doubling down on 11 when the dealer had a 10 face up.
That brought messages from other readers who had their own moments of queasiness over basic strategy.
Why Should You Follow Basic Strategy in Blackjack? Read More »
One of the first things blackjack players learn when they start to get serious about the game is that fewer decks are better for players.
Two Deck vs Six Deck Blackjack Games Read More »
With the exception of blackjacks, all player hands lose sometimes, and even blackjacks push if the dealer also has a two-card 21. There are times when even 20s just can’t seem to win. The dealer gets on a roll and pulls a 21 – and another and another. Player frustration follows.
What are the Chances of a 20 Hand Winning in Blackjack? Read More »
Not all blackjack games are created equal. There’s a set of mix-and-match rules, and you’ll find different combinations in different casinos. Sometimes you’ll even find different combinations at different tables within the same casino. One key variation comes on whether dealers hit or stand on soft 17.
How Does a Dealer’s Decision to Stand or Hit on a Soft 17 Affect You? Read More »
