Online Betting Strategies: Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy

When you’re new to online betting and want to try other ways of making money, such as online blackjack, it’s helpful to know some of the basic terminology and strategy with the game.

MyBookie Teaches You Blackjack Basic Strategy
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Start Playing Online Blackjack

If you walk into a casino to play or open a table at MyBookie’s Casino, more often than not you’ll enter a game that has four, six or eight decks.

The dealer shuffles the cards and then puts them in a container called a shoe that permits him to slide a card out at a time.

Games with one or two decks, common in Nevada but also found in Mississippi and other gambling markets as well as celebrities like Ben Affleck, sometimes deal right from the dealer’s hand.

You stack your chip or chips in the betting square right in front of you.

Once all the bets are in place, the dealer and each player receive two cards.

Shoe games deal cards face up, and players must not touch them.

With one- or two-deck hands, cards are dealt face down, and players can pick them up with one hand.

At least one dealer card always stays face-up to let the players see it.

Learn the Basics of Playing Blackjack

After the cards are dealt, the game begins.

If the dealer has a total of no more than 16, he has to draw more cards and stand if he has 17 or more.

Hitting means taking more cards to get your total closer to 21 – without going over.

If the card takes you over 21, that’s known as a bust.

Point to your cards, or wave toward yourself to ask for a hit if you’re in a shoe game; in a face down game, scratch the table with your cards to get more from the dealer.

If you just ask verbally, you won’t get anything.

Hand signals are required to provide video documentation for the casino for every move the dealer makes.

Eventually, when you have all the cards you want, you’ll stand.

You’ll hope that the total in your hand is higher than everyone else’s.

What You Need to Start Playing Blackjack

Shoe Game

If you’re playing a shoe game, put your palm down on your cards to show that you want to stand.

In a face down game, just slide your cards beneath your chips to indicate that you’re done taking more cards.

Doubling Down

Doubling down means that you’re doubling your initial bet, and you only get one card, no matter what the denomination.

In this case, some casinos limit doubling to players whose first two cards add up to 10 or 11.

Take chips equal to your first bet, and put them next to your first bet.

Face Down Game

If you are playing a face down game, turn those first two cards face up.

Splitting Cards

Are your first two cards the same denomination? Consider splitting.

You make a second bet that’s the same as your first, and then you split the pair up.

Now each card starts its own hand.

If you get two 7s, just slide a new bet equal to the first into the betting box.

The dealer separates the 7s and puts another card on the first 7.

You play that hand out before you move to the second 7.

If the dealer’s showing an Ace, you can ask for insurance.

This is a bet that the other card is a 10 or face card, to finish the blackjack.

Insurance

Insurance costs half the original bet and pays 2-1 should the dealer have blackjack.

This hedges losses for a bet if the dealer ends up with blackjack.

Of course, insurance is usually a bad deal for the player, because only 30.8 percent of cards are worth 10, so a draw is much less likely to bring one of those out.

Over time, you’ll add your own strategy tips to these.

These are just some basic ideas about how to get ahead in the early stages of your blackjack adventure.

Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy

Winning at blackjack requires knowing when to hit, when to stand, when to double down, when to surrender, when to split pairs, and when to buy insurance.

It all starts with an understanding of blackjack basic strategy.

By learning blackjack basic strategy, we can ensure to cut losses and profit during our blackjack playing sessions.

What is Blackjack Basic Strategy?

Blackjack basic strategy is a mathematically proven method that helps players make optimal decisions in any given situation at the blackjack table.

It is designed to reduce the house edge to the lowest possible percentage, maximizing the player’s chances of winning over time.

The strategy is based on probability calculations and considers both the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard.

How Do I Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy?

Learning blackjack basic strategy involves memorizing a set of rules that dictate when to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender.

The easiest way to learn is by using a basic strategy chart, which visually maps out the best moves for every possible hand combination.

You can find these charts online or in blackjack strategy books.

Practicing with free blackjack games or apps can also help reinforce your understanding.

How Does Blackjack Basic Strategy Improve My Odds?

By following blackjack basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge from its typical 2% to as low as 0.5%.

This means you’ll lose less money over time compared to playing without strategy.

Basic strategy ensures that every decision you make at the table is statistically optimal, preventing costly mistakes and increasing your overall expected return.

Applying Blackjack Basic Strategy in Online Casinos

How do I Apply Blackjack Basic Strategy in Online Casinos?

Applying blackjack basic strategy in online casinos is similar to using it in a physical casino.

Most online blackjack games allow you to refer to strategy charts while playing.

To apply the strategy effectively:

1. Find a reliable blackjack basic strategy chart.
2. Follow the chart’s recommendations for each hand.
3. Play in demo mode first to practice without risking real money.
4. Stick to the strategy consistently, avoiding emotional decisions.

How Do I Use a Blackjack Basic Strategy Calculator Online?

A blackjack basic strategy calculator is an online tool that helps players determine the best move based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard.

To use one:

1. Enter your cards and the dealer’s upcard.
2. The calculator will suggest the best action (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender).
3. Follow the recommendation to make an optimal decision.
   These tools are especially useful for beginners who are still memorizing the basic strategy.

How Do I Adjust My Basic Strategy Based on a Specific Online Blackjack Variation?

Different online blackjack variations may have rule changes that slightly alter basic strategy.

For example:

• If the dealer hits on a soft 17, you may need to be more conservative when doubling down.
• Some games allow late surrender, which can be beneficial in specific hands.
• The number of decks used affects card probabilities, requiring slight adjustments to strategy.
  To ensure you’re using the best strategy, look up a chart specific to the variation you’re playing.

Blackjack Basic Strategy: Insurance, Surrender, Doubling Down, and Splitting Pairs

How Does Basic Strategy Relate to Insurance Bets?

Basic strategy advises against taking insurance bets.

When the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the casino offers insurance as a side bet against the dealer having a blackjack.

However, statistically, insurance is a bad bet since it increases the house edge.

Over time, taking insurance results in more losses than wins, making it an unwise choice for serious players.

How Does Basic Strategy Relate to Surrender?

Surrender is an option in some blackjack games where you can forfeit your hand and lose only half of your original bet.

Basic strategy recommends surrendering in specific situations, such as:

• When holding a hard 16 except against a dealer’s 8.
• When holding a hard 15 against a dealer’s 10.
  Using surrender strategically can help minimize losses in unfavorable situations.

How Does Basic Strategy Relate to Doubling Down?

Doubling down is a move where you double your original bet in exchange for committing to receive only one more card.

Basic strategy suggests doubling down in situations where your chances of winning are high.

Common scenarios include:

• When you have a total of 11 against the dealer’s weak upcards, 2-10.
• When you have a total of 10 against a dealer’s 9 or lower.
• When you have a soft 18 or Ace-7 against a dealer’s 3 to 6.
  Proper use of doubling down can significantly increase your winnings over time.

How Does Basic Strategy Relate to Splitting Pairs?

Splitting pairs allows players to create two separate hands when dealt a matching pair.

Basic strategy provides guidelines on when to split:

• Always split Aces and 8s.
• Never split 5s or 10s.
• Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s in favorable situations based on the dealer’s upcard.
  Splitting can improve your odds by turning weak hands into stronger ones, maximizing your chances of winning.

Mastering blackjack basic strategy is essential for anyone serious about improving their chances of winning in online blackjack.

By learning when to hit, stand, double down, split, and surrender, you can significantly lower the house edge and make more informed decisions.

Whether you’re using a strategy chart, a calculator, or adapting to game variations, sticking to basic strategy ensures you play optimally.

While it won’t guarantee winnings every time, over the long run, it will give you the best shot at success in online blackjack.

MyBookie’s Sportsbook Betting Guide | Online Blackjack

Now that you know the basics of Blackjack Basic Strategy, check out more about mastering online blackjack at MyBookie’s Sports Betting Guide.
Time to level up your blackjack betting skills and play with confidence—know what you’re doing before placing your next bet at the online casino!

• Playing Blackjack or Poker
• Blackjack Strategies, Systems And Tips
• 1-3-2-6 Betting System In Blackjack
• Splitting Card in Online Blackjack
• The Dos and Don’ts of Blackjack Betting
• Online Betting Strategies: Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy
• Understanding The Back And Lay Strategy

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