Rules of Blackjack A New Player Should Know

Blackjack Rules That Reduce Your Return

Blackjack is one of the most popular live games in AW8 Online Casino Malaysia, and this is due to the fact it has a low house edge. When you compare blackjack with some other games found on different sites, you will see that you have a much bigger chance to secure a win.

There is more to blackjack rules than just knowing when to hit or stand. There are some things that you need to avoid when playing blackjack, and firstly here, we will cover those aspects.

Rules #1: Blackjack Pays 6-5

When speaking of blackjack rules and tips, this one is arguably the worst one of them all. Some online casinos will pay 6-5 on lower limit tables. As an example, this would mean that a bet of $12 will win only $10, and it would pay $15 in a normal game.

This rule adds around 1.4% to the house edge, so this is surely a rule you are best advised to avoid.

Rules #2: Dealer Hits Soft 17

When discussing the rules of blackjack, you need to know that the Dealer Hits Soft 17 adds to the house edge by around 0.22%, so it is another rule that you are best advised to avoid. A few years ago, there was no table that would hit a soft 17,  but now almost all of the tables do.

Rules #3: No Double Down After Splitting

Some blackjack rules casino do not allow players to double down after splitting. This rule adds about 0.14% to the house edge, so once again, it is something you would naturally want to avoid.

Rules #4: Double Down Only On Certain Start Hands

Blackjack rules by casino may vary, and some of them will only allow players to double down on 9-11 or 10-11. In most blackjack rules game doubling down after the split is not permitted. Therefore, the double down on any two cards restriction will add 0.09% to the house edge if 9-11 is allowed, and 0.18% if you double down on 10-11.

Rules #5: No Surrender

Surrender is one of the basic blackjack rules in casino. It occurs when you give half your bet to the house and you fold. You will automatically lose the bet, even if the dealer busts. So, a blackjack game that does not offer this option has a higher house edge of 0.08%.

Rules #6: No Re-Split Aces

When speaking of blackjack rules cards, when you split aces and get another ace, it is the worst situation to occur in the game. In this situation, you will not be allowed to split again, and that will add 0.08% to the house edge.

Rules #7: Number of Decks

If you are just starting to play the game and you are looking at how to play blackjack rules & basics, you need to know that the number of decks is important. It is very simple – a double-deck blackjack game has a higher house edge of 0.19% compared to a single-deck game.

Additionally, a six-deck game has a 0.46% higher house edge than a single deck. Next, if you play a blackjack game with eight decks, then the house edge is 0.48% higher.

Blackjack Rules That Increase Your Return

Blackjack is known to be a game with a low house edge, and some rules and strategies give you an even greater chance to win. Let’s take a closer look at some blackjack rules of thumb that can increase your returns.

I. Splitting Aces and Eights

The first part of the rules of blackjack that can increase your returns is the possibility to split hands. We always recommend you to split aces and eights. At first glance, it might seem that breaking up eights is a bad move, but it is the most likely way to win. It is a move that will boost your chances to make a neat profit.

II. Double Down With An Ace Against the Dealer’s Six

One of the blackjack rules simple is to take advantage of double downs. This especially goes when you have an ace in hand, with the dealer having an upcard that is a six. If this situation occurs, then you are best advised to double down, unless you have a soft 20.

Also, you can double down against the dealer’s 5, but not when you have a soft 19 or 20.

III. Doubling Down On 10 Or 11

When you think you have the upper hand in blackjack, you need to put more money on the table to secure big profits. When discussing what are the rules for blackjack, you cannot hope for wins if you don’t take any risks.

The very best way to do so is to double down when you have 10 or 11. This way, it is very likely that your next card will be of a value of 19. However, have in mind that you cannot double down if the dealer’s upcard is a 10 or Ace.

IV. Stand With Hard 17 or More, Hit With 11 or Below

One of the blackjack rules for dummies says that if you have a hard 17, you should always stand. If you decide to stand, then the dealer can still bust. It should go without saying when speaking of blackjack rules at casino that you cannot stand on 11 or fewer because you can’t bust by taking another card.

V. Stand With Soft 19 or Higher, Hit With Soft 17 or Lower

The blackjack rules chart says that a soft 19 is when you have a hand of an ace and an eight. So, a soft 19 is very likely to be the winning hand. There is just no point in taking another card since you will be left in an inferior position.

However, this does not apply if you have a soft 17 or lower – an ace and a six. In this situation, you can take another card to improve your hand and boost your chances of winning.

VI. Split Aces and Eights, But Not 4s, 5s, or 10s

If you ask a pro what are the basic rules of blackjack, they will tell you that splitting pairs is one of the best ways to secure good wins. However, have in mind that you can only do this in certain situations.

Therefore, we advise you to split aces and eights, as you can end up with two very good hands. On the other hand, never split nines or 10s, as you have a hand that has a good chance of winning. Additionally, never split fours and fives, as they are very bad individual cards on their own.

VII. Any Other Pair, Split If the Dealer’s Upcard Is Lower

Lastly, you can split all the remaining pairs you might have in the game of blackjack, but only if the dealer’s upcard is lower. As an example, you can always split sevens if the dealer’s card is lower. In this situation, you are very likely to add 10 to each card you split. On the other hand, the dealer is most likely to add 10 to his, and in this case, you will likely secure the win.

The history of blackjack suggests that it is a very profitable game for some. There are different strategies and tips you can use to help you secure bigger wins, but they don’t guarantee you profits. At the end of the day, the casino always has the edge, but by knowing simple rules and strategies, you can shift the odds in your favour a bit.