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Play and Win at Blackjack

Unlike most other casino games, blackjack is a game whose outcome is greatly influenced by the player, right from the moment the player cuts the deck of cards. The dealer is practically like a robot. He follows set rules and makes no decisions of his own.

There are three different approaches to the game a player can take using three different strategies:

1. Play blackjack as a game of luck using money management only. Determine when to call a card and when to stand irrespective of what the dealer shows, apply a suitable money management system like the Paroli system and set appropriate profit and loss limits for when to quit.

2. Use basic strategy. Follow the game and take into account the dealers card to determine whether to call a card or stand. Apply a suitable money management system like the D'Alenbert system and set appropriate profit and loss limits for when to quit.

3. Card counting. This is not easy to do and some casinos don't like it. If you choose to play blackjack this way, it is best to learn from the experts. There are several books on sale that should teach you how to go about it.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

Try these proven rules to increase your odds to win at blackjack.

1. Always hit when you have been dealt 8 or less. You have no chance of busting, and you need to get closer to 21.

2. Always stand on hard hands of 17 or more, regardless of what the dealer is showing. A hard hand is a hand that has no aces or has an ace or aces that must be worth only one point because to be worth more would mean a bust.(e.g., 6, jack, and ace). If you hit, odds are you bust.

3. Always hit if you have 16 or less and the dealers card is a 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace. These are the best cards and it is likely that the dealer will beat you. Although you have a good chance of busting, it is worth the risk of getting closer to 21.

4. Always stand on hard hands of 12 or more if the dealers first card is a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. These are the worst and it is likely that the dealer will bust. But, you don't win if you bust first!

5. Always stand on soft 19's and 20's. A soft hand is one that has an ace that can still be valued as either one or eleven. Don't risk losing the good hand by trying to get a "better" hand.

6. You can split pairs when you are dealt two of the same cards, for example two 9's or two 7's. You can place money on each pair and treat them as separate hands. Never split 4's, 5's, or 10's. Always split aces and 8's. Look at this table: