Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do
Blackjack is a thrilling card game enjoyed by many across online casinos worldwide. The goal is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over. Knowing which hands are your best bet can significantly impact whether you win or lose. This guide dives deep into the strongest and weakest blackjack hands, offering strategies, probability insights, and valuable charts to help you make smarter decisions at the tables in Pakistan.
Understanding Your Blackjack Hands
In blackjack, a hand is made up of two or more cards, each carrying a specific point value. Aces are versatile, counting as either 1 or 11 points. Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are all worth 10 points, while numbered cards are worth their face value. The ultimate hand is a 'natural blackjack' – an Ace paired with any ten-point card, summing up to exactly 21. It's the dream hand for every player!
The sheer number of potential hands in blackjack can vary depending on the number of decks used in the game. For instance, with a single deck, there are 1,326 possible two-card combinations. When multiple decks are in play, like six, the number of combinations can skyrocket to over 4 million!
What Are the Strongest Blackjack Hands?
The best hands in blackjack are those that give you the highest probability of hitting 21 or getting very close, improving your odds against the dealer. Naturally, the absolute best hand is the 'natural blackjack' – an Ace and a ten-point card for a total of 21. This magical combination typically pays out at higher odds, often 3:2.
Other powerful hands worth playing include pairs of Aces or Eights. These can be split into two separate hands, effectively doubling your chances of hitting a strong total or even a 21. A 'soft 18' (an Ace counted as 11 plus a seven) is also a favourable hand. You can take another card ('hit') without the fear of busting (going over 21).
Which Blackjack Hands Should You Avoid?
Conversely, the worst hands in blackjack are those most likely to lead to a 'bust' – exceeding 21. The most notorious 'bust' hand is a hard 16 (a ten-point card and a six). If you have this hand, hitting for another card is a risky move, as even a low card could push you over the limit and send your bet straight to the dealer.
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 constitutes a blackjack hand in Pakistan?
A blackjack hand involves receiving two or more cards from the dealer. Each card carries a specific point value. The aim is to outscore the dealer by achieving a hand totaling 21, or getting closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Remember to gamble responsibly.
What does "soft" signify in blackjack?
In blackjack, a "soft" hand includes an ace, which can be valued as either 1 or 11 points, based on the player's choice. For instance, an ace and a six can be considered either a soft 17 or a hard 7, depending on the player’s decision. Always play within your limits.
Is there a specific hand that should always be avoided when splitting in blackjack?
Generally, splitting pairs of aces and eights is a recommended strategy in blackjack. However, a pair of fives should typically never be split. This is because a pair of fives gives you a total of 10, which is a strong starting point. Splitting the fives introduces the risk of creating two weaker hands. Remember, responsible gaming is key.
When is the optimal moment to split a hand while playing blackjack?
In blackjack, splitting a hand is a tactic employed when you receive a pair of cards with the same value, such as two 5s or two Queens. The decision to split hinges on the dealer's visible card and the fundamental strategy. For instance, splitting Aces is almost always a good idea, while splitting 5s or 10s is generally not recommended. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
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.
What is considered the most frequently misplayed hand in blackjack?
Experts suggest that a soft 18 is the most commonly misplayed hand in blackjack. Many players mistakenly stand on a soft 18, which can be a costly error. Players should generally hit a soft 18 if the dealer's upcard is a 9, 10, or an ace. Hitting a soft 18 increases the likelihood of improving your hand and beating the dealer. Remember to set limits and gamble responsibly.
