Basic strategy

The basic blackjack strategy is the most effective way to play the game. It uses statistical probabilities to determine the optimal moves for a player and dealer. The goal of this strategy is to increase your winnings by doubling down or splitting and winning as many hands as possible. Using a basic strategy will also minimize your losses.

When using a basic strategy, you’ll lower the house edge to around 0.5%. This strategy is not foolproof, though. It’s important to study the rules and game variations of each table before applying it.

Side bets

Blackjack side bets are a way for players to make additional bets. These bets depend on the combination of two cards held by the player and the dealer. The odds of winning depend on the card rank and suit of the player’s two cards. Players can choose to place these bets either on the player’s hand or on the dealer’s first card.

The Perfect Pairs bet pays 25:1 if the Dealer’s first two cards are identical, or any pair of cards that equal a pair. The Colored Pair bet pays 12:1 for same-value cards in different suits. The Mixed Pair bet pays five:1 for any two cards of the same suit. The 21+3 bet combines two player cards with the dealer’s face-up card. If both players receive an Ace and a two-card pair, they will win the bet.

Doubling down

If you are playing blackjack, you may wonder if doubling down is a good move. Doubling down is a good move if you have a solid hard hand (such as a ten-value card). It can be very profitable when you can double down even though you might lose money if the dealer shows a weaker card than your hand. However, if you are holding a low-value card, you should consider not doubling down.

If your dealer gets a blackjack, the odds are good that you will get a blackjack. Even if the dealer peeks, you will be close to 21. A total of over 11 will most likely make you bust, so you should stick to the lower total. Doubling down in blackjack is risky, but if you know when to play it correctly, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary losses.

French and German variants

While both American and French blackjack variants are based on the same game, some differences exist between the two. For example, in French and German blackjack, aces count only as one or eleven, while a blackjack is two aces. Additionally, both games have different regulations regarding card combinations.

Both French and German blackjack games have different rules and play styles. For example, in French blackjack, you cannot split your hand. Instead, you must make one full hand, and any two hands must have the same value. The European variants also have different betting limits, allowing you to play for higher stakes without facing higher house edge.