Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do
Blackjack is a big deal in online casinos all over Nigeria, and it's pretty straightforward: you aim to beat the dealer by getting a hand that's worth 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. Knowing which hands are your best bet can seriously change the game from a win to a loss. This guide is here to break down the best and worst blackjack hands you'll encounter, packed with strategies, percentages, and handy charts, so you can play smart in every round.
Understanding Your Blackjack Hands
In blackjack, each card has a point value. Aces are flexible, counting as either 1 or 11 points. Face cards like Kings, Queens, and Jacks are all worth 10 points. Other cards are worth their face value. The ultimate hand is a 'natural blackjack' – an Ace paired with any 10-point card, hitting exactly 21. This is the dream hand!
The number of possible hands? It depends on the number of decks used. With a single deck, you've got 1,326 possible two-card combinations. If the casino uses six decks, that number jumps to over 4 million combinations. It's a lot of possibilities!
What Are Your Strongest Blackjack Hands?
The best blackjack hands are those that give you a solid chance of hitting 21 or getting really close, boosting your odds against the dealer. The absolute best is that natural blackjack (Ace + 10-point card) – it pays out at a sweet 3:2.
Other strong contenders include pairs of Aces or Eights. These are prime candidates for splitting into two separate hands, doubling your chances of hitting 21 or a high total. A 'soft 18' (an Ace and a Seven) is also a great hand to work with, as you can hit for another card without the risk of busting.
Which Blackjack Hands Should You Avoid?
The weakest hands are those most likely to make you 'bust' – go over 21. A classic example of a dangerous hand is a hard 16 (like a 10 and a 6). If you hit this hand, you're taking a big risk of going bust, so careful play is needed here.
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 in the Nigerian context?
In blackjack, a hand consists of two or more cards dealt to you. Each card has a point value. The aim is to beat the dealer by having a hand that totals 21, or is closer to 21 than the dealer's, without going over. It's a popular game in Nigeria, both online and in physical casinos. Remember to gamble responsibly.
What does "soft" mean when playing blackjack in Nigeria?
A "soft" hand in blackjack means you have an Ace, which can count as either 1 or 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 can be a soft 17 (Ace as 11) or a hard 7 (Ace as 1). The choice is yours! Always consider your options carefully.
Is there a hand in blackjack that you should never split in Nigeria?
While splitting Aces and Eights is often recommended, a pair of Fives is generally a hand you shouldn't split. Two Fives give you a total of 10, a strong starting point. Splitting them risks creating two weaker hands. Think of it like this: a bird in hand is worth two in the bush!
When is the best time to split a hand when playing blackjack in Nigeria?
Splitting a hand in blackjack is when you have two cards of the same value. Whether to split depends on what card the dealer is showing and the basic strategy. Splitting Aces is usually a good idea, but splitting 5s or 10s is not. Remember, understanding the odds can improve your game.
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 the most commonly misplayed hand in blackjack, according to Nigerian players?
Many experts say a soft 18 is the most misplayed hand. Players often stand on a soft 18, but you should hit if the dealer's upcard is 9, 10, or an Ace. Hitting gives you a better chance to improve your hand and win. Remember, knowledge is power when playing blackjack!
