Playing Blackjack Correctly

26 May 2020

By Frank Scoblete

Some interesting comments can be made by other players at the blackjack tables. All of the following I have heard or seen written about by “experts” at the game. Which ones are right? Which ones are wrong? Here are some:

• “Never hit your twelve against the dealer’s two!”

• “If you are on third base you are responsible for the dealer’s hand.”

• “If you have a ace and a six never double down against the dealer’s six.”

• “Do not split aces when the dealer shows a power card of ten or face card.”

• “Do not split eights against power cards as well.”

• “Split fives if the dealer is showing a six or lower.”

• “Basic strategy is just some egg-heads’ opinion. Just like I have an opinion.”

• “You just had a run of some good hands so immediately increase your bet to continuing winning. Trend betting in blackjack is a great thing.”

• “Do not hit your sixteen against a dealer’s seven up card.”

• “Never double on an Ace-Seven because that is usually a winning hand.”

• “If you have a blackjack always take insurance against the dealer’s ace.”

• “There are times to split tens, especially when the dealer has low up cards.”

• “It is always good to play the continuous shuffle machines because you get to play more hands.”

• “Surrender is a technique that cowards use because they are afraid to play their hands.”

• “High cards follow high cards and low cards follow low cards.”

• “If things are going good for you do not hesitate to play those added on jackpot type bets. That’s your chance to make some big money.”

• “Always try to play alone on the table versus the dealer. You get to see more hands that way and more hands means a better chance to be ahead of the house.”

• “Never be afraid to play two (or three!) hands at blackjack. Doing this will usually keep other players away from the table and increase your chances for a winning session.”

• “Blackjack is an even game for the players. It’s 50/50.”

• “The longer you play at a table, the better the chance the dealer will get tired and his mistakes will get you more money.”

• “What’s the big deal playing 6/5 blackjack? How many blackjacks do you really get at the game?”

These are just some of the opinions of players who have strong opinions. Which are right and which are wrong? Hold your breath now – they are all wrong. All blackjack players should play the computer-derived basic strategies for the blackjack games they want to play. To do otherwise will hurt your bottom line.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank’s web site is www.frankscoblete.com. His books are available from smile.Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, kindle, e-books and at bookstores.