Hello, I’m Darwin Ganza, a seasoned Blackjack player. In this article, I’ll share with you the most effective card blackjack counting strategies to help you increase your chances of winning at the Blackjack table, especially when playing at Bet86 Casino.
I’ve spent years studying and testing these strategies, and now, I want to share them with you so you can experience the difference that card counting can make.
Introduction to Blackjack and Card Counting Strategy
Before diving into the details, let’s review some basic information about Blackjack and why card counting is important. Unlike games like roulette or baccarat and sic bo, where luck plays a significant role, Blackjack requires focus, skill, and strategy. When you master these elements, you can control the outcome and increase your chances of winning.
Basic Blackjack Card Counting Strategy – The First Step to Success
17 Points:
When your total is 17, you’re in a unique position. The recommended strategy is to stand, regardless of what card the dealer shows. A total of 17 is considered a strong hand, and drawing a card risks busting (going over 21). By choosing to stand, you force the dealer to make decisions that could result in them busting if they have a weaker hand.
13, 14, 15, 16 Points:
For hands totaling 13 to 16 points, your decision should be influenced by the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer shows a card valued between 2 and 6, it’s usually advisable to stand because these lower cards increase the likelihood of the dealer busting. On the other hand, if the dealer shows a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, hitting is preferred since the dealer is more likely to have a stronger hand, and hitting gives you a chance to improve your hand.
12 Points:
With a hand totaling 12 points, you should stand if the dealer’s upcard is a 4, 5, or 6, as these are relatively weak cards and increase the odds of the dealer busting. However, if the dealer’s visible card is anything other than 4, 5, or 6, hitting is the better choice. A total of 12 is relatively weak, and there is a high risk of busting if you draw a 10-point card, so it’s important to try to improve your hand.
10, 11 Points:
For hands totaling 10 or 11 points, your strategy should depend on the value of the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer has an Ace, it’s usually advisable to hit with a total of 10, as doubling down is not recommended in this case. Hitting gives you the potential to strengthen your hand while minimizing the risk of busting. However, if you have 11 points and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, doubling down is advised, as this position is advantageous and maximizes your potential payout. For all other situations involving 10 or 11 points where the dealer’s card is not an Ace, doubling down is the strategic choice to capitalize on your strong starting position.
9 Points:
When your total is 9, your strategy should be influenced by the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer shows a 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, hitting is advised since the dealer is likely to have a stronger card, and hitting might improve your hand. Conversely, if the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 6, doubling down is the preferred approach. This strategy allows you to take advantage of your favorable starting position.
2 to 8 Points:
For hands totaling 2 to 8 points, the optimal strategy is to hit. These hands are relatively weak, and drawing another card offers the best chance to improve. While the dealer’s upcard may influence your decision, generally, hitting with these lower totals is more beneficial to aim for a stronger hand.
For more information, explore the online casino games at Bet86.
Blackjack Card Counting Strategy: Aces and How to Use Them Effectively
A8, A9 (Ace-Eight, Ace-Nine):
When you have a pair of Aces totaling 18 or 19, it is generally advisable to stand, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. The reasoning behind this approach is simple: a hand consisting of an Ace combined with an 8 or 9 is already strong and close to the ideal total of 21 in blackjack. By choosing to stand in this situation, you are effectively protecting your strong hand.
A7 (Ace-Seven):
When dealt an Ace and a 7, your best course of action should be influenced by the dealer’s upcard. If the dealer shows an Ace or a 10-point card (including 10, J, Q, or K), it is generally advisable to hit to increase your hand’s total. With an Ace and a 7, your initial total is 18, which is a solid starting point but not unbeatable. By choosing to hit, you increase your chances of improving your hand without the immediate risk of busting (going over 21). Conversely, if the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 9, standing is the more cautious move. In these situations, the likelihood of the dealer reaching a stronger hand is significantly higher, making it safer to maintain your total of 18 and hope that the dealer busts or ends up with a weaker hand.
A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 (Ace-Deuce, Ace-Three, Ace-Four, Ace-Five, Ace-Six):
When your hand contains an Ace paired with any card valued from 2 to 6, the recommended strategy is to hit. This approach aims to improve your hand and take advantage of the opportunity to achieve a stronger total. Pairing an Ace with these lower-value cards gives you more flexibility when drawing additional cards, while the risk of busting (exceeding 21) remains relatively low. In many cases, hitting in such situations is advisable, especially when the dealer’s upcard appears weak. By choosing to hit, you attempt to develop a more competitive hand, capitalizing on the flexibility of the Ace, which can be valued as either 1 or 11, thereby increasing your chances of reaching a higher total.
Blackjack Card Counting Strategy: Splitting Pairs and When to Do It
Now, let’s delve into the splitting strategies in blackjack:
A, A (Aces):
When you are dealt a pair of Aces, it is essential to split them. Splitting Aces is a crucial strategy because it provides a valuable opportunity to form two strong hands, each potentially reaching a total of 21. This decision significantly increases your chances of winning. When splitting Aces, you typically receive one additional card for each Ace, allowing you to choose to hit or stand on each newly formed hand as usual. This strategic approach improves the likelihood of achieving blackjack, which offers a higher payout.
10, 10 (Tens):
When holding a pair of 10s, totaling 20 points, it is generally advised not to split them. The strength of this hand is already substantial, and splitting could diminish your chances of winning.
9, 9 (Nines):
When you are dealt a pair of 9s and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace or 8, it is best not to split. This recommendation is based on the fact that the dealer’s Ace suggests a high likelihood of reaching a total of 21, which is challenging to beat. Similarly, if the dealer shows an 8, this also indicates a relatively strong hand, making splitting less advantageous in these scenarios. Conversely, if the dealer shows any other card, splitting your pair of 9s is generally considered a beneficial strategy.
8, 8 (Eights):
Splitting a pair of 8s is typically considered a prudent strategy. This is due to the fact that a pair of 8s totals 16 points, which is usually insufficient to compete with most of the dealer’s hands. By choosing to split, you increase your chances of improving your situation. You will receive additional cards for each 8, thereby forming two separate hands that have a higher potential of winning compared to a single hand totaling 16 points.
7, 7 (Sevens):
When dealt a pair of 7s, you should split them if the dealer’s upcard totals between 3 and 8. This approach capitalizes on the opportunity to improve your position in the game. Conversely, if the dealer’s upcard is 9, 10, or Ace, it is generally more advantageous to hold your pair of sevens as a hard 14. In this case, splitting is less beneficial due to the likelihood of the dealer holding a stronger hand.
6, 6 (Sixes):
Splitting a pair of 6s is recommended when the dealer’s upcard is between 3 and 7. This approach aims to capitalize on the dealer’s potential weakness. Conversely, if the dealer’s card is 8 or higher, it is more advantageous to keep your pair of sixes intact, as the likelihood of improving your position through splitting is significantly reduced in these cases.
5, 5 (Fives):
When holding a pair of 5s, it is generally advisable to keep them together. Splitting does not offer significant benefits as you already have a total of 10 points, which represents a solid starting hand.
4, 4 (Fours):
Splitting your pair of 4s is a strategic move when the dealer’s upcard is a 6 or 7, as these cards are considered relatively weak. Conversely, if the dealer reveals any other card, it is better to keep your fours intact to maintain a stronger starting position.
3, 3 (Threes):
When holding a pair of 3s, you should split them if the dealer’s upcard totals between 3 and 8. This strategy is aimed at exploiting potential weaknesses in the dealer’s hand.
2, 2 (Twos):
Like a pair of fives, it is generally more advantageous to keep your twos together. Splitting does not offer significant benefits as you already have a total of 4 points. In this situation, splitting could weaken your overall position, making it better to keep your twos as a single hand.
The Best Casino for Blackjack Card Counting Strategy
If you’re looking for the ideal place to apply these strategies, I recommend playing at Bet86 Casino. With a professional playing environment and quality Blackjack tables, this is the perfect place to test your skills and improve your gameplay.
Why Should You Play Blackjack at Bet86?
Playing Blackjack at Bet86 not only offers a chance to win big but also provides a top-tier gaming experience for the following reasons:
1. Professional Gaming Environment
- Bet86 prides itself on offering a professional Blackjack gaming environment, with high-quality tables and attentive customer service. You’ll enjoy the excitement and tension of a real casino from the comfort of your home.
2. Opportunity to Apply Card Counting Strategies
- Bet86 provides various Blackjack tables with different betting levels, allowing you to comfortably experiment and apply the card counting strategies shared by Darwin Ganza. This increases your chances of winning big when playing here.
3. Attractive Promotions and Bonuses
Additionally, Bet86 frequently offers attractive promotions and bonuses exclusively for Blackjack players. These rewards not only give you more capital to play but also enhance your chances of winning.
- Register Bonus: Get ₱20 Instantly When You Sign Up!
- Daily Rewards: Earn Up to P500 Weekly!
- Weekly Angpao: Grab Your Red Envelope Every Weekend!
4. User-Friendly Interface
- The interface of Bet86 is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for players to access and participate in games without any difficulties.
5. High-Level Security
- Bet86 is committed to protecting the personal and financial information of its players with top-notch security technologies. This ensures that you can play Blackjack safely and with peace of mind.
6. Variety of Table Options
- With a wide range of Blackjack tables, from basic to high-end, Bet86 caters to all player needs and preferences, whether you are a beginner or a professional.
Conclusion
By now, I hope you have a clearer understanding of how to apply card counting strategies in Blackjack. Remember, patience and practice are key to success. I wish you the best of luck, and may the cards be in your favor!
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackjack Card Counting Strategy
What is this article about?
- The article provides a detailed guide on Blackjack card counting strategy from Darwin Ganza’s perspective.
What is card counting?
- Card counting is a technique of tracking the cards that have been dealt to make strategic decisions in Blackjack.
What is the difference between Blackjack and other games like Roulette or Baccarat?
- Blackjack requires skill and strategy, whereas Roulette and Baccarat primarily rely on luck.
When should you use the Ace strategy?
- The Ace strategy should be used when you have an Ace combined with another card to optimize your total.
Where should you play Blackjack?
- I recommend playing at Bet86 Casino for the best experience.
I hope with this information, you’ll be more prepared when you step into the Blackjack table. Good luck!
Name: Darwin Ganza
Birthdate: August 12, 1990
Hometown: Davao City, Philippines
Education: University of Wisconsin Madison
Career: Former Las Vegas casino dealer; now an online casino agent with 10 years of experience
Current Role: CEO and Founder of Darwinganza.com, managing over 50 online gaming platforms
Expertise: Promotes fair, secure, and enjoyable online gambling, focusing on the Philippines and Europe
Platform: Darwinganza.com reviews and recommends legitimate online casinos and slot game websites, offering verified promotions.