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Blackjack Basics – Hit, Stand, and Double Down
If you’re new to the game of blackjack, you might be wondering what to do first: hit or stand? What about Insurance? Double down? In this article, you’ll find the answers to these and other frequently asked questions. Once you understand the basics of the game, you can move on to the more complex decisions. You can also learn about split hands and Insurance. After all, your goal is to win! If you’re unsure, consider re-reading this article.
Hit versus stand
If you are playing blackjack, it is important to understand the best moves for each situation. Generally, players should stand if they have a total of seventeen or higher, while players with lower numbers should hit. In a game with no house advantage, players should always take the dealer’s up card into consideration. When deciding whether to hit or stand, players should also consider the dealer’s hand. If the dealer has an ace, it is best to stand because it is very unlikely to get a higher hand than 17.
Insurance
Blackjack insurance is a common practice, and it can prove beneficial in some situations. If the dealer has Blackjack and you do not, you will be paid 2:1, but not for the actual blackjack. But, if the dealer does not have Blackjack, you will still collect the winnings from the Insurance bet. In this way, you can increase your winnings even if the dealer has a low hand. But, it is important to keep in mind that you can still lose both the initial stake and the insurance wager.
Split hands
When playing blackjack, it is important to remember that splitting your hand is a risky proposition. Even if you have a good hand, you may still bust. For example, you shouldn’t split high pairs unless you have at least 20. A player’s position will improve with a split, but there are times when you should try to double down. This is borderline suicidal. So, when should you split?
Double down
When should you double down on blackjack? This strategy is an excellent one, but it’s not always as effective as some players might think. Firstly, you should consider whether you have a good hand before you double down. If you’ve got a hand worth 15 or 16, the dealer’s next card will likely be a weak one. If it’s an Ace, doubling down will likely result in a draw. If you have a hand worth 11, however, doubling down is probably not worth it.
Hard/soft hands
The basics of playing hard/soft blackjack hands are similar to those of basic blackjack strategy. Although there is no single right way to play this game, a basic blackjack strategy chart can help players make the correct play instinctively. A few general rules about hard/soft hands will be helpful for those who don’t have a great deal of basic blackjack knowledge. Here are some of the main differences between hard and soft hands:
Insurance bet
Despite its name, the Insurance bet on blackjack is a side bet that you make if you think the dealer’s next card will be a ten. While it pays odds of two to one, the payout is often better than breaking even. Using a good counting system will ensure you never make a mistake by incorporating the Insurance bet into your game. You’ll also reduce the chances of making mistakes by knowing when to take insurance.