Black Jack Tips/Strategy

Black Jack is a game of skill and not all about luck as many other casino games. There are many ways to improve your Black Jack play and maximize your winnings.

First of all it's important to choose the right Casino to play at. Different casinos have different rules and that is something a player can take advantage of. Single- or double-deck games are preferable to six- to eight-deck games. The reshuffling frequency is another factor, the lower the better. Other things to look out for are the possibility to double on opening hands and permission to resplit Aces. Some casinos also offer insurance and surrendering.

Another important thing if you don't want to throw your money away is discipline. Decide right away how much you're willing to risk. Then choose a style of playing and stick with it. Aggressive play can result in big pay offs but on a bad night you will lose a lot of money. With a conservative playing style both you're winnings and your losses will be smaller. Also beware of the fact that Black Jack is a game that is rapidly played and that money can be lost quickly if the cards don't fall your way.

Card counting techniques may seem very complicated but there are simpler forms. Always pay attention at the table, notice what cards have been played and try to take advantage of that. But remember that simpler card counting strategies have also have disadvantages. They are easier to learn but can mislead you as well.

How to act in specific Black Jack situations:

Stant

when your total value is hard 17 to 21.
when your total value is hard 13 to 16 and the dealer's card facing up is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
when your total value is hard 12 and the dealer's card facing up is 4, 5 or 6.
when your total value is soft 19 or 20.
when your total value is soft 18 and the dealer's card facing up is 2, 7 or 8.

Hit

when your total value is hard 13 to 16 and the dealer's card facing up is 7 or higher.
when your total value is hard 12 and the dealer's card facing up is lower than 4 or higher than 7.
when your total value is lower than 8.
when your total value is 9 and the dealers card facing up isn't 3, 4, 5 or 6.
when your total value is soft 18 and the dealer's card facing up is 9, 10 or ace.
when your total value is soft 17 and the dealer's card facing up isn't 3 to 6.
when your total value is soft 15 or 16 and the dealer's card facing up isn't 4 to 6.
when your total value is soft 13 or 14 and the dealer's card facing up isn't 5 or 6.

Double Down

when your total value is 11 and the dealer's card facing up isn't an ace.
when your total value is 10 and the dealer's card facing up isn't an ace or a ten point card.
when your total value is 9 and the dealer's card facing up is 3 to 6.
when your total value is soft 17 or 18 and the dealer's card facing up is 3 to 6.
when your total value is soft 15 or 16 and the dealer's card facing up is 4 to 6.
when your total value is soft 13 or 14 and the dealer's card facing up is 5 or 6.