Put simply, this is a game of skill, and its mathematical underpinnings must be understood in order to win consistently. The house edge results from the fact that the dealer completes his hand after all others have revealed theirs. Bust and you lose regardless of whether the dealer busts as well. Thus, it’s crucial to know the probabilities of busting for each two-card hand. Read our odds page for this info and more.
When it comes to blackjack probability and odds equations, the first step a would-be casino online player should take is noting differences among online blackjack tables.
Figuring out how to win at blackjack is as much a matter of simple choices as it is advanced strategy. The first choice you will make is deciding at which table to take a seat. In fact, where you play blackjack is often as important as how you play.
Watch out for these differences among blackjack tables, as they will alter your blackjack probability and odds equations.
How to Win at Blackjack—Choosing the Right Table
Blackjack pays 6:5. In a game with traditional blackjack odds, a “natural” pays 3:2 ($15 on a $10 bet). While 6:5 might look better, this setup only pays $12 on a $10 bet. If 6:5 tables are all you see, find a place that still offers 3:2.
Dealer hits on soft 17. This rule improves the house’s blackjack odds and gives the dealer another chance to beat a player’s hand of eighteen or better. While this is not as egregious an advantage as 6:5 blackjacks, it is a rule that increases the house advantage by 0.22%.
No double down after splitting..
For example, a player starts with two sevens for a total of fourteen. The player splits his sevens, and then receives a three on the first hand and a four on the second. Now he has two hands, totaling ten and eleven, respectively. In a game with typical blackjack odds, the player would want to double down on those hands. The “No double down after splitting” rule cuts off this potentially profitable option.
| Total Hand Value | Odds of Busting on a Hit |
| 21 | 100% |
| 20 | 92% |
| 19 | 85% |
| 18 | 77% |
| 17 | 69% |
| 16 | 62% |
| 15 | 58% |
| 14 | 56% |
| 13 | 39% |
| 12 | 31% |
| 11 or Less | 0% |
Use this simple odds chart while practicing free blackjack games. Once you’ve memorized the odds, test your luck at the cash tables. Good luck.