There is no perfect system for winning at blackjack. Playing perfect basic strategy, making the right bets at the right times, and counting cards can all help minimize the house edge. A good card counter on a good game can actually swing the edge in their direction.
Most recreational blackjack players aren’t counting cards. However, one of the easiest ways to get caught counting cards in blackjack is with wide bet spreads. If a player continually changes bets from $25 to $1,000 the dealers and pit bosses will usually sense that the player is counting cards. This isn’t the only way to get the most bang for the buck playing blackjack.
Recreational gamblers who are focused on playing with perfect basic strategy can still maximize their betting without getting too crazy or risking time in the casino or more money than necessary. All basic blackjack strategy cards have information on when a player should double down and split their hand. This extra bet amounts will help players maximize returns and lower the house edge for the casino.
Let’s first take a look at the hands a player should double down to maximize their return when playing blackjack using the basic strategy:
Player cards total dealt: 9 Total
Dealer showing: 3, 4, 5, 6
Player cards total dealt: 10 Total
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Player cards total dealt: 11
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Player cards dealt: Ace-7
Dealer showing: 3, 4, 5, 6
Player cards dealt: Ace-6
Dealer showing: 3, 4, 5, 6
Player cards dealt: Ace-5
Dealer showing: 4, 5, 6
Player cards dealt: Ace-4
Dealer showing: 4, 5, 6
Player cards dealt: Ace-3
Dealer showing: 5, 6
Player cards dealt: Ace-2
Dealer showing: 5, 6
Player cards dealt: 5-5
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Doubling down at the right time is one way to reduce the house edge and maximize winnings. Another way to get the most from a blackjack wager when playing with perfect basic strategy is to split hands when it’s appropriate.
Not only does this double the amount of potential winning hands but it also opens up more hands for a potential double down opportunity. Here are the blackjack hands that players should be splitting, according to basic strategy:
Player cards dealt: Ace and Ace
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Ace
Player cards dealt: 9 and 9
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 (note: don’t double when the dealer has a 7 showing)
Player cards dealt: 8 and 8
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Ace
Player cards dealt: 7 and 7
Dealer showing: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Player cards dealt: 6 and 6
Dealer showing: 3, 4, 5, 6
Player cards dealt: 3 and 3
Dealer showing: 4, 5, 6, 7
Player cards dealt: 2 and 2
Dealer showing: 4, 5, 6, 7
Splitting and doubling down blackjack hands at the right time always smart. However, players can get the best returns when allowed to both split and then double down on hands. Unfortunately, this isn’t available at every table in some casinos.
Before sitting down, check the blackjack rules at the table to see if the casino allows players to double after splitting (shorthand for this is DAS) cards. This used to be possible at all tables in all casinos but not today. Blackjack rules may even vary at different tables in a casino. Some casinos only allow players to double after splitting certain cards.
The more changes to the original rules of blackjack usually mean that the house edge is increasing. When the blackjack rules allow players to double after splitting the casino loses a bit of their advantage. Generally, the more restriction on the players making this wager the higher the house edge for the casino.
Always look for the most player-friendly blackjack rules in the casino to get the best returns. Players should learn how to make all the right basic strategy moves. There should probably be a bit of emphasis on learning exactly when to double down and split hands.
One of the reasons many recreational blackjack players don’t learn basic strategy is because the odds and probability take place over time. These gamblers often want to see immediate returns. Making the right moves on these hands can show an immediate bump in the bankroll short term. That’s smart gambling for the short term and long term.
