The player who wants to improve his game must not only learn the basic strategy but also understand the game odds. As at most casino games the house has advantage at blackjack that influences the player’s chances to win the game. Usually it is about 8% and this is reached by applying different rules (the number of decks used at the game, Surrender option, Splitting and doubling rules, etc). What is more, the house also gets advantage due to the fact that the dealer is the last to act after all the players at the table have played their hands. It is believed that by using a correct blackjack online strategy it is possible to reduce the house edge up to 1% or even less. In order to have a successful blackjack play you are to study and know how to manipulate your odds.
Odds of Busting on a Hit
After you are dealt two cards it is very important to know your probability of busting if you Hit. The following chart explains the player’s odds of Busting according to the total value of his hand. Using this information you can design your own strategy at the current game.
| Hand Value |
% Bust |
|
21 |
100% |
|
20 |
92% |
|
19 |
85% |
|
18 |
77% |
|
17 |
69% |
|
16 |
62% |
|
15 |
58% |
|
14 |
56% |
|
13 |
39% |
|
12 |
31% |
|
11 or less |
0% |
Removing Cards from the Deck
Each card removed from the deck influences the odds of the player and this fact is successfully used by the card counters. Moreover, some of the cards have greater influence on the player’s odds than others that is why we offer you to learn the effect of each card removal on your winning probabilities.
As you can see from the table below that a 5 when removed has the biggest impact on the player’s odds and the opportunity to improve them. Every Ace removed from the standard deck adds to the casino advantage.
| Card |
% Effect of Removal |
|
2 |
0.40% |
|
3 |
0.43% |
|
4 |
0.52% |
|
5 |
0.67% |
|
6 |
0.45% |
|
7 |
0.30% |
|
8 |
0.01% |
|
9 |
-0.15% |
|
10 |
-0.51% |
|
Ace |
-0.59% |
Two-Card Count Frequencies
At last, we offer you to study the chart that shows the percentage of obtaining the specific two card hands. Of course, the most important frequency is the chance to get a blackjack and as you see this chance is not very high. The player is more likely to obtain the so-called “decision hand” totaling 16 or less. The chart also describes the frequencies of obtaining Hard Standing and No Bust hands.
| Two Card Count |
% Frequency |
| Natural 21 |
4.8% |
| Hard Standing (17-20) |
30.0 % |
| Decision Hands (1-16) |
38.7% |
| No Bust |
26.5% |
| Total |
100.0% |
