Blackjack can be one of the best games in a casino. The low house edge that comes with the best blackjack games can help a bankroll last longer. This is one of the main reasons casino guests play blackjack. Not only does a good blackjack game last longer but it has less volatility than other casino games.
Blackjack has a relatively low variance and that’s part of the charm for many blackjack players. Variance in casino gambling is essentially the difference of highs and lows that occur over the long-term when playing a game. A winning streak or losing streak can always happen in the short term. Over time some games have more or fewer streaks. Blackjack is a low variance game so the wins and losses are lower. Slot machines have a high variance and the wins may be big while the losses may also be big…and fast.
Most of the time the highs and lows in blackjack are a single unit up or down. A winning (or losing) streak can happen in the short-term but a bankroll usually has a slow way up or down. The goal for most casino visitors is to be entertained while they gamble. Some players are happy with a couple drinks and a long ride with their buy-in. Others – not so much.
Action gamblers enjoy some variance in the casino. Moving up or down one unit in blackjack for hours on end can be mind-numbing. There are a few times when basic strategy offers a reprieve for bettors who need more action.
There are plenty of opportunities to double a wager in blackjack. However, not every blackjack player knows when they should double their bet. That changes today. We’ll share when basic strategy says to double so you can make the most of the blackjack experience.
Normal player card totals
- Player total: 9, Double when the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Player total:10, Double when the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Player total 11 – Double no matter what card the dealer shows.
Soft player card totals
- Player cards: Ace and 2, Double when the dealer shows 5, 6
- Player cards: Ace and 3, Double when the dealer shows 4, 5, 6
- Player cards: Ace and 4, Double when the dealer shows 4, 5, 6
- Player cards: Ace and 5, Double when the dealer shows 4, 5, 6
- Player cards: Ace and 6, Double when the dealer shows 3, 4, 5, 6
The following hands depend on the rules of the game you’re playing.
- Player cards: Ace and 7, Double when the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. If you can’t double, just stand.
- Player cards: Ace and 8, Double when the dealer shows 6. If you can’t double, just stand.
Many blackjack players that crave more action, like me, cross their fingers looking for opportunities to split cards and double after the new hands are created. There’s a rush when a player splits a pair of eights and is deal two threes. That is an always double hand and makes blackjack much more fun. Unfortunately, there are some casinos that won’t let a player double after splitting. This is why we always look for the best blackjack games in the casino.
