Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do
Blackjack is a king in online casinos across Zimbabwe, and knowing your hands is key to beating the dealer. The aim is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, and understanding which hands are strong and which are weak can seriously impact your wins. This guide will break down the best and worst blackjack hands, right here for Zimbabwean players, with strategies, probabilities, and handy charts to help you make smart moves at the table.
Cracking the Blackjack Hand Codes
In blackjack, each card has a value. Aces can be 1 or 11, picture cards (King, Queen, Jack) are all 10 points, and number cards are their face value. The ultimate hand is a 'natural blackjack' – an Ace and a 10-point card rolled into one, hitting exactly 21. This is the jackpot!
The number of possible hands changes with the number of decks used. With a single deck, you've got 1,326 possible two-card combos. Go to six decks, and that number swells to over 4 million possibilities. It's a lot of maths, but we'll simplify it for you.
Your Winning Hands on the Blackjack Table
The best hands are those nudging close to 21, giving you a solid shot at winning. Naturally, a 'natural blackjack' (Ace and a 10-point card) is top-tier, paying out at a sweet 3:2. Keep an eye out for this one!
Other power hands include pairs of Aces or Eights. These can be split into two separate bets, doubling your chances of hitting that magic 21 or a high total. A 'soft 18' (Ace and a Seven) is also a handy hand; you can hit it for another card without the risk of busting.
Hands to Approach with Caution in Zimbabwe
The hands you want to be wary of are those that easily lead to 'busting' – going over 21. A hard 16 (like a Ten and a Six) is often considered the riskiest, as hitting it invites a high chance of busting. Play these hands carefully!
Other weak blackjack hands include a hard 12 or 13, which should be hit if the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher. A hard 15 or 16 should also be hit if the dealer's upcard is a 7 or higher.
What Percentage of Hands do you win in Blackjack?
The percentage of hands a player can win in blackjack depends on various factors, including the player's skill level, the casino's rules, and the number of decks used. On average, a skilled player can win around 48-49% of hands played.
Blackjack Hand Strategies
The best blackjack strategy to win at online casinos involves following a set of rules that players can use to make strategic decisions during the game. The basic blackjack strategy can help players maximize their chances of winning by advising them when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand and the dealer's up card.
Hard hands
For hard hands, players should hit if their hand value is 8 or less, while they should double down if their hand value is 9-11, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is 12-16, players should hit if the dealer's up card is 7 or higher; otherwise, they should stand. If their hand value is 17 or higher, players should always stand.
Soft hands
For soft hands, players should double down if their hand value is Ace-2 through Ace-7, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is Ace-8 or Ace-9, players should always stand.
Pairs
For pairs, players should always split Aces and 8s, while never splitting 5s and 10s. Other pairs should be split based on the dealer's up card, with certain pairs being split only if the dealer's up card is within a specific range.
Surrender
Finally, players may surrender their hand in certain situations, forfeiting half of their bet but ending the hand. Surrender is advised in certain scenarios, such as when the player's hand value is 15-17 and the dealer's up card is high.
Multiple Hands in Blackjack
Online casinos offer players the opportunity to play multiple hands of blackjack simultaneously, increasing the number of hands played per hour. Players should be cautious when playing multiple hands, as it can increase their chances of losing. It is recommended that players stick to playing one or two hands at a time to maximize their chances of winning.
Conclusion about Blackjack Hands
Knowing the best and worst blackjack hands and when to hit, stand, split, or double down is essential for any player looking to increase their chances of winning. While luck plays a significant role in the game of blackjack, implementing the strategies outlined in this article can help players make more informed decisions at the tables.
Remember that playing blackjack, like any form of gambling, carries a risk, and players should never bet more than they can afford to lose. Online casinos provide players with a safe and convenient way to play blackjack, but it is essential to choose a good online casino with fair rules and regulations. Following the strategies outlined in this article and playing responsibly, players will be able to enjoy the excitement and thrill of blackjack while minimizing their losses.
FAQ
What is a blackjack hand?
A blackjack hand is made up of two or more cards dealt by the dealer, with each card having a specific point value. The main objective of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand that totals 21, or is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand, without going over 21.
What does "soft" mean in blackjack?
In blackjack, a "soft" hand is one that includes an Ace. An Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 points, depending on what best suits the player's hand. For instance, an Ace and a six can be considered a soft 17 or a hard 7, based on the player's strategic choice.
Is there a hand that should never be split?
Generally, pairs of Aces and Eights should always be split in blackjack. However, there is indeed one hand that should never be split: a pair of fives. The reason for this is that a pair of fives gives you a total of 10, which is a very strong starting hand. By splitting the fives, you risk ending up with two weaker hands.
What is the best time to split a hand when playing blackjack?
In blackjack, splitting a hand is a strategy used when you are dealt two cards of the same rank, such as two 5s or two Queens. The decision to split depends on the dealer's up card and adherence to basic strategy. For example, splitting Aces is always recommended, while it's advised to never split 5s or 10s.
Here are some examples of when to split pairs based on the dealer's up card:
- Split a pair of 2s or 3s if the dealer's up card is 4 through 7.
- Split a pair of 4s if the dealer's up card is 5 or 6.
- Split a pair of 6s if the dealer's up card is 2 through 6.
- Split a pair of 7s if the dealer's up card is 2 through 7.
- Split a pair of 9s if the dealer's up card is 2 through 6 or 8 or 9.
Which is the most misplayed hand in blackjack?
According to experts, the most commonly misplayed hand in blackjack is a soft 18. Many players mistakenly stand on a soft 18, which can be a costly error. In reality, players should always hit a soft 18 if the dealer's upcard is 9, 10, or an Ace. By hitting a soft 18 in these situations, players significantly increase their chances of improving their hand and beating the dealer.
