Blackjack Tips

Author: Dolly Gambler

Always hit on a soft 17 against a dealer's 10.

Always split 2's and 3's against a 4, 5, or 6.

Always split 7's when the dealer is showing cards of equal or lower value.

Always split Aces and 8's, regardless of what the dealer is showing.

Always stand on 17 or higher.

Do not split face cards, 10's, or 5's.

Don't take insurance unless you are counting cards.

Focus on the dealer and his up card, not your neighbor's cards. If the other players at the table are upsetting you with their strategies, move.

If the dealer is showing a 10, hit until you have 17 or higher.

If you are losing at a particular table, set a three-losses-and-you-move system.

If you don't know the rules or any of the playing strategies of Blackjack, start learning the game on a 25-cent video Blackjack machine.

If your first two cards equal eleven or less, draw another card.

Keep your emotions under control. Don't take your losses out on the dealer.

Know the hit and stand signals for the Blackjack game you're playing.

Once the hand has been completed, don't turn your cards over to help the dealer, it does not help them.

Once you've placed your wager, don't touch your bet until you get paid.

Play on a game that offers the fewest decks. The house edge goes up substantially when you go from one deck to two, but the change is less dramatic as you add more decks.

Regardless of what card the dealer is showing, always assume the dealer has a hidden ten.

Study the last player at your Blackjack table, if they seem inexperienced find another table.

When using a basic strategy card, don't refer to it every hand. You should have a basic understanding on how to play most of your hands before you sit down at a game.