Online Games - Blackjack basic strategy
Most people play blackjack for fun. If you're in it for the money you should have knowledge of a basic strategy. Unlike other games like poker and roulette, there are few variations to the strategy because blackjack can be broken down mathematically a 100%.
Hard hands, soft hands
To start with, you should know that having an Ace in your hand is a great advantage since the Ace can play both as 1 point or 11 points. A hand with an Ace is called a soft hand. All other hands are called hard hands because the value of the hand is the same and cannot change.
Insurance
When the dealer's face up card is an Ace you can ensure your hand against the dealer's possible blackjack. This is a side bet so it is not actually part of the game. The bet pays 2 to 1. Some players never ask for insurance, other do so frequently. A good rule of thumb though is to take the insurance bet for every two insurances when the dealer did not make a blackjack hand. There is a mathematical explanation of odds behind this.
Your cards vs. the dealer's cards
Many inexperienced players make the mistake of only looking at their own cards without thinking about how the dealer's face up card can play a decisive role in the game. A pro player will tell you the secret is to assume that the dealers' hole card is a ten at all times. Preparing for the worst will make you think on your feet and make the best decision.
Double
The best hand you'd like to have is 9, 10 or 11 points and even more, it's best to double the bet when you see this hand. However, if the dealers' face up card is an Ace do not double the bet. Also, if you hold 10 points and the dealer holds a ten do not double the bet. If you have 9 points only double if the dealer's face up card is a 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Stand
You'll want to stand at 17 points or, if the dealer's face up card is lower than a 7, it's advisable to stand when you hold even 13, 14, 15, 16 points. The reason behind this is that now you're not trying to make the best hand, you just want the dealer to bust.
Splitting
If you have two identical cards you can split them and thus play two hands. Never split 5's! They make 10 points so you should double the bet. All other hands under 7 you can split as long as the dealer's face up card is lower than an eight. You can split 8's 9's and Aces. When you have two tens or face cards, it's ideal to split them and then double the bet for each card.
