Splitting a hand is a good idea, and the same is true for two equal cards. A pair of 10’s and an Ace can be split into two separate hands. Playing four’s as one hand also rarely leads to Bust, and an Ace gives you a decent hand of 19. In other words, the aim of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible. You can bet on your hand to get as close to 21 as possible.
Splitting hands
When to split hands on blackjack? Many players make the mistake of deciding to split on their first hand. In fact, splitting is not recommended unless you have two matching cards, either from the dealer or yourself. Likewise, if you have a pair of aces, you should avoid splitting on that hand. The chances of hitting a soft 18 or 19 is lower when you split on a six. There are also many situations where splitting on a pair of aces is an incorrect decision.
Doubling after splitting
When a player is dealt a hand worth less than 21 and has not yet hit 21, he or she can choose to double their bet. Doing so will increase their winnings over time. This strategy is allowed only in blackjack variations where the dealer holds a pair or a hand worth less than 21. In other words, a player should not double after splitting a hand with a pair of tens or an ace.
Insurance
Blackjack insurance is a side bet. The player bets that the dealer will draw a ten or picture card as a second card if he has a blackjack. Winning this bet has a 30% to 70% chance. In the long run, it’s a sucker bet that you should skip unless you’re a card counter or are confident in your own blackjack strategy. You can learn more about Blackjack insurance by reading our guide to the game.
Splitting Aces
You can play a blackjack game by splitting aces. The most advantageous time to split an ace is when the dealer has a weak exposed card. A player’s average chance of beating the dealer is 18.5%. However, players should always keep in mind the dealer’s upcard. You can also split aces if the dealer is holding an ace and two or more cards. The average winning hand is eighteen and if you are dealt an ace, you should always split.
Double down moves
When playing blackjack, a player may double down on a certain total. For instance, if the dealer has a soft total, such as six or seven, a player may choose to double down on the ten. Doing so will increase the player’s chances of hitting 21. The dealer can also double down on a 10 if he has a low card. In these situations, the player should stand.
When to “Bust”
When to “Bust” in blackjack is a key decision in the game. If your cards are more than the dealer’s, you should stand. Otherwise, you should hit. When to stand depends on your hand, but you should always stand if your cards are below eight. It is also advisable to stand when your cards are higher than twelve. The odds of busting in blackjack are not always in your favor, so you should follow these tips to minimize your risk.