Avoiding The House Edge in Blackjack
Like all casino games, blackjack has an edge, meaning it's hard to beat the dealer every time you hit the table. Yes – with luck and dare you have a chance of cool winning sessions, but hoping to come out on top is a real challenge. Fortunately, blackjack is one of the casino games that can be played with real skill and strategy, with the potential to limit the edge by varying percentages. The good news is that while it may take a real master to strike fear into the casinos, any level of blackjack gamer can instantly play with some degree of skill. Check out the three basic levels of strategic blackjack gaming – and start wiping the smile off the dealer's face……….
Limit the house-edge to 1.5%
For those new to online blackjack, you can implement strategic analysis techniques virtually as soon as you know how to hit and hold. What's more, with bonus cash, free-play sessions and very low minimum stake levels – you can grasp the basics of blackjack strategy none or very little monetary risk. In addition, unlike the old days of land-based casinos, you're never under pressure to make your strategic decisions quickly! The simple 4-tier strategy below is a diluted version of a full basic blackjack strategy, and many experts agree is can lower the blackjack edge to something in the region of 1.5% - much better than simply playing with an adhoc betting style, like most novice gamers……
> Hit until you score 17+ or soft 18, against the dealer 7+
> If the dealer up-card is 6 or lower, hit until your hand reaches 12+
> Double-down with 10 or 11 against dealer 9 or less > Split aces and 8's
Limit the house-edge to 0.5%
Unless you're an infrequent blackjack gamer, the chances are you'll have the desire to push the basics to the limit – and it certainly makes sense to because it can end-up leaving the casino with an edge of only about 0.5% (meaning 99.5% average payout potential). You'll need to print off a full basic blackjack strategy chart to start learning all the rules, but they're really an extension of the type of rules above. Playing blackjack with basic strategy doesn't mean you're likely to beat the dealer every time you play, and in theory they will still have a slight advantage. However, your winning chances should theoretically be boosted, and with the right luck – you can hit regular winning sessions. In addition, the intrinsic value of the game dramatically increases when you become a high speed strategic gamer.
Flip the blackjack edge against the casino
Ultimately – everyone dreams of being able to beat the blackjack dealer again and again. What's more, with the right skills, even during losing sessions – you'll know you're going to win in the end. Well – this scenario is un fortunately reserved for hardcore blackjack players, with equally hardcore card counting skills. Card counting can in theory be learnt by any gamer with the desire to put in the hours, so it is something to consider once you have mastered all the basic strategies.
posted by infomegamedia @ 3/24/2009
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