Best Blackjack Hints

The game rules will always dictate whether you are permitted to split or re-split a hand, and in this section we shall take a closer look at what exactly this means and the correct occasions when it should be used. It is an important part of the game and should not be overlooked.

Once you have been dealt your first two cards and the dealer has dealt everyone elses cards including his upcard, then upon viewing your hand you are faced with many decisions, if your two cards are a pair then more often than not you will be allowed to split them.

Now you should fully understand that by doing so the dealer will separate them into two new hands and you are obliged to place another wager which is equal to your initial bet on this new hand.

Once you have placed this new wager the dealer will then deal a new card to each split card, one at a time. Should you get dealt another pair on either card then you can, (again subject to the Blackjack variation rules) split that hand again, another wager will also be required on the new hand should you do so.

You then play each hand out as you would a standard, single hand. One major rule variation is that Aces can often only be split just the once and will only be dealt just one further card and should an Ace be dealt a ten or ten valued card then this will not be classed as a Blackjack hand but a 21 hand instead.

Most Blackjack games will allow you to split a hand a maximum of three times which means you will be playing a total of four hands in total, but you should always check the Blackjack variants game play rules as dictated on the small sign placed next to the dealer to ensure you comply with any house rules differences.

A pair is self explanatory and it is simply two cards that are the same I.E. 2 x sixes or 2 x Queens etc, it is worth pointing out that ten valued cards that is Tens, Jacks, Queens and Kings are not classed as a pair but some Blackjack games have certain rules regarding splitting them.

But be warned though the correct strategy is not to split all pairs and we shall now take a look at what to do when you have been dealt a pair when playing a single hand game.

Pair of Aces This move is simple, whenever you get dealt a pair of Aces you should always split them without exception.

Pair of Tens When faced with this hand you should always stand your hand, many novice players will split them, that is not the correct  strategy and will cost you over time. so when faced with two tens stand that hand. This includes ten valued cards.

Pair of Nines You should split your pair of nines unless the dealer is holding a Seven, Ten or an Ace if so then stand them.

Pair of Eights A simple move to remember and that is to always split your eights.

Pair of Sevens This can be a bit complicated but you should split when faced with a dealers upcard of a 2 -7, hit if the dealer has a 8, 9 or an Ace and stick when the dealer has a 10.

Pair of Sixes Split this pair if the dealer has a 2 – 6 and hit if the dealer has any other upcard.

Pair of Fives You should double down if the dealer has any card from 2 to 9 and hit if he is showing Ten or an Ace.

Pair of Fours Hit a pair of fours no matter what the dealers upcard is, don’t split them!

Pair of Threes You should split them if the dealer has an upcard of 4, 5, 6 or a 7 and hit them if he is holding any other card.

Pair of Twos You should split them if the dealer has an upcard of 3, 4, 5, 6 or a 7 and hit them should the dealer have any other upcard.

One decision you will be faced with when playing Blackjack is called “Doubling Down” this is simply placing another wager on your hand which is equal to your initial bet, and for this wager you will receive another card.

As usual with so many Blackjack variants in play you should fully familiarize yourself with the house rules, these are displayed on a small sign at the side of the dealer and will let you know when you can double down your hand.

The most common double down rules will dictate that you can double down either on ANY first two cards, or on a 9, 10 or 11 valued hand.

Now you may think that doubling your initial wager is a good move and a novice player will soon find out to his cost, that not every hand should be double downed on, there are only certain situations when this move is a good strategic move and we shall now take a look at these situations.

When you have been dealt a hand totalling eleven then it is a very good move to double down, even if the dealer is holding an Ace. Should the  Blackjack game be a dealer peeks game then you will already know he isn’t holding a Blackjack hand.

Another common situation to double down is when you have a pair of fives, you should not be thinking of splitting them even if the dealer appears to have a week up card, you should double down this hand unless the dealer is holding a Ten or an Ace.

When you are holding a nine you should take a good look at the dealers up card as this will give you an insight into the correct move you should make, in single deck Blackjack you should be considering doubling down this nine when the dealer is holding a 2, 3, 4, 5 or a 6.

With you having the option to double down you should always bear this in mind when you are placing your initial wager, there can be no worse feeling than being dealt a hand which should be double downed on but you not having enough cash or chips on you to make this move!

However if you are visiting a land based casino then a little more decorum is called for and as there is no real dress code you are well advised to wear something comfortable and not something that will annoy fellow players!

Every Blackjack player is different and some like to chat and have a bit of a banter with fellow players and the Dealer, however some players prefer to just sit and play.

With this in mind if you are a loud outrageous player do remember that everyone may not want a running commentary on every hand dealt and you are more likely to find yourself playing alone if you start to get on other players nerves!

Before you sit down and play make sure you are fully aware of the rules of that particular game of Blackjack, every table will have a small sign at the side of the Dealer listing how the game plays, and also on the table felt will be further game rules, namely what a Dealer does on a soft, hard or all 17′s, the Blackjack payouts and the insurance bet information.

Our final etiquette tip is for you not to blame the Dealer for the hands you are receiving, ranting and raving at a Dealer when he is dealing you losing hands will not do you any favors, if you are on a losing streak then take a break, go to the buffet or to the bar and unwind for a while.

Las Vegas casinos are places where you can unwind and enjoy yourself. Different casinos will offer you different styles of entertainment, gambling of course being the common theme.

You should never forget that it’s the job of the casinos to make money at your cost. So it’s wise to set yourself a limit. You may not succeed in sticking to it, but to try that will do you no harm. The blackjack and roulette tables can ruin your holiday. If you gamble a few rounds you may win a few bucks, but try a little longer and it’s all gone. Leave the long sessions to the people who go to Vegas just for the gambling. Remember, the casinos pay for Las Vegas. So some people win but most of them end up on the losing side.

Better avoid casinos that don’t have a hotel attached to them. Most of these joints will try to aggressively lure you in and take you for a ride. It is wise go into any hotel/casino in town and gamble because your odds are a lot better in a hotel/casino.