There are several ways to win in blackjack. A pair of 5’s has a value of 10 and is good for getting into the high-value range of 18 to 21. A pair of 8’s is also a good option since it has a value of 8. A pair of 8’s can be split to give you a better chance of winning.

Basic strategy table

A basic blackjack strategy table is a handy tool that can make a big difference in your game. Whether you’re playing blackjack online or in a live casino, you can apply the information you learn from this table to your own personal style of play. You can download the table for free and use it for as long as you like.

A basic blackjack strategy table is composed of a table layout that’s based on the expected return and the house edge. This means that the most favorable rule adjustments are found at the top and the worst rule adjustments are at the bottom. This way, a sharp player knows exactly which blackjack game to play. Obviously, the minimum bet you can place can also affect which game you should play.

Insurance bets

Insurance bets on blackjack are great ways to make extra money at a blackjack game. However, they come with risks. If you lose your bet, you will lose your stake and insurance bet. It is therefore important to know the rules and the probability of getting a blackjack before you place an insurance bet.

Double-down blackjack is a type of insurance bet that can only be used if the player’s initial hand is better than the dealer’s. It can only be used if the initial count is nine or ten. In this case, the dealer would have to have a 21 in order to beat the player. Although the odds of the dealer beating you are pretty small, it still gives you a shot at winning.

When to “Stand”

Knowing when to stand when playing blackjack is an essential skill. Most players make the mistake of taking a straight hit when they have an Ace and a 5. Instead, you should double down when the dealer’s upcard is 4, 5, or 6 (the highest value cards). Another mistake is standing with a pair of nines, even though the dealer should always double down when you have a pair of nines.

There are several situations when it is best to stand and hit. First, when you are dealt two cards, you must decide whether you want to “hit” or “stand”. When you stand, you are satisfied with the cards you have received, while when you hit, you want to draw additional cards.

When to “Bust”

When to “Bust” in blackjack depends on the player’s hands. Players should try to avoid “busting” on hands over 13 and under 16. This is because the dealer upcard has the power to force players to hit on numbers such as 15 or 16. If you’re unsure of when to “Bust,” consult your strategy chart.

In blackjack, a player can hit another card when his first two cards have been aces. Otherwise, he can stand. In some versions of the game, players can also add a “Stand” bet. In these cases, the player who has the best value is declared the winner. If the player has more points than the dealer has, he may choose to “Hit” a second time to make a better hand. The dealer can also hit a card to make a stronger hand.

House edge

The house edge in blackjack is the mathematical advantage that the house has over the player in a blackjack game. In blackjack, the house represents itself by the dealer, who always acts last. The dealer can see the cards of other players and can predict what they are likely to do or make. This gives the house an advantage in the long run.

While the house edge in blackjack games is usually high, there are ways to reduce it. For example, doubling on a hand that is stronger than the dealer’s up card can increase your winnings. In addition, doubling on any hand can knock about 0.2% off the house edge. On the other hand, doubling after a split can add 0.15% to the house edge.