Here are some basic strategies and tips to consider when you play Blackjack online:
1. Split: For improved odds of winning, split your cards when you are dealt a pair of Aces. Many experts also suggest splitting pairs of 8s, as a hand of 16 is easy to bust and by splitting, you’ve made it impossible to bust on your first Hit.
Your Hand | When to Split Vs the Dealer |
2's, 3's | 4 through 7 |
4's, 5's, 10's | Never |
6's | 3 through 6 |
7's | 2 through 7 |
8's | Always |
9's | 2 through 6 and 8 or 9 |
Aces | Always |
2. Double: When your dealt cards total 9, 10 or 11 and the dealer shows a face-up card lower than 10, it is considered a good option to Double Down. An Ace in your hand makes it particularly strong because it counts as either 1 or 11 points and therefore, cannot go bust on your next hit.
Your Hand | Double if Dealer’s Face-Up Card is: |
9 | 3 to 6 |
10 | 2 to 9 |
11 | 2 to 10 |
A and 2 | 5,6 |
A and 3 | 5,6 |
A and 4,5 | 4,5,6 |
A and 6 | 3 to 6 |
A and 7 | 2 to 6 |
A and 8 | 6 |
3. Surrender: Using this option at the beginning of your game can save you half of your stake if you lose, which may mean savings in the long run. Many strategists suggest you should Surrender when you hold a hand worth 15 and the dealer shows a 10 face-up card.