Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do
Blackjack is a thrilling card game enjoyed by many players in online casinos across the Philippines. The objective is simple: beat the dealer by achieving a hand total of 21 or getting as close to it as possible without going over. Knowing which hands to play can significantly impact your wins and losses. This article offers a comprehensive guide to the best and worst blackjack hands, complete with strategies, probabilities, and charts, to empower Filipino players to make smarter decisions at the virtual tables.
Understanding Your Blackjack Hands
In blackjack, a hand is made up of two or more cards, each with a specific point value. Aces can be counted as either 1 or 11 points, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are all worth 10 points, and number cards are worth their face value. The ultimate hand is a natural blackjack, achieved with an ace and any ten-point card, totaling exactly 21 points.
The sheer number of possible blackjack hands varies depending on the number of decks used. For instance, with a single deck, there are 1,326 possible two-card combinations. Using six decks dramatically increases this to over 4 million possible combinations.
The Strongest Blackjack Hands for Filipino Players
The best blackjack hands are those with a high probability of reaching 21 or a total very close to it, giving you a better edge against the dealer. The most coveted hand is the natural blackjack (an ace and a ten-point card), which immediately wins and typically pays out at 3:2 odds.
Other powerful hands include pairs of aces or eights. These can be split into two separate hands, significantly boosting your chances of hitting 21 or achieving a higher total. A soft 18 (an ace and a seven) is also a favorable hand, as you can hit for another card without the risk of busting.
The Weakest Blackjack Hands to Watch Out For
Conversely, the worst blackjack hands are those most likely to result in a "bust" (exceeding 21). A hard 16, typically formed by a ten-point card and a six, is notoriously difficult to play. Hitting this hand carries a high risk of busting, making it one of the least desirable starting points in the game.
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 Filipino Players 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 in the Philippines can win around 48-49% of hands played.
Blackjack Hand Strategies for the Philippines
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.
Playing Multiple Hands in Blackjack for Filipino Players
Conclusion: Mastering Blackjack Hands for the Philippines
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 in the Philippines 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?
A blackjack hand, for players in the Philippines and worldwide, consists of two or more cards dealt by the dealer, with each card assigned a specific point value. The goal of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand that equals 21 or is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without exceeding it. It's a thrilling challenge for every Filipino player!
What does "soft" mean in blackjack?
In blackjack, a "soft" hand is a hand that contains an Ace, which can be counted as 1 or 11 points, depending on the player's preference. For example, an Ace and a Six can either be counted as a soft 17 (11+6) or a hard 7 (1+6), giving the player flexibility in their decision-making.
Is there a hand that should never be split in blackjack?
Generally, pairs of Aces and Eights should always be split in blackjack. However, there is one hand that players in the Philippines should never split, and that is a pair of Fives. The reasoning behind this is that a pair of Fives gives the player a strong starting total of 10. By splitting the Fives, the player runs the risk of ending up with two weaker hands, diminishing their chances of winning.
What is the best time to split a hand when playing blackjack?
In blackjack, splitting a hand is a strategy used when dealt a pair of cards of the same rank, such as two 5s or two Queens. The decision to split depends heavily on the dealer's up card and adherence to basic strategy. For example, splitting Aces is always recommended, while it is advised to never split 5s or 10s.
Here are some examples of when to split pairs based on the dealer's up card, a useful guide for Filipino blackjack enthusiasts:
- 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.
Which is the most misplayed hand in blackjack?
According to experts, the most misplayed hand in blackjack is a soft 18. Many players, including some in the Philippines, make the mistake of standing on a soft 18, which can be a costly error. In reality, players should always hit a soft 18 if the dealer's upcard is 9, 10, or an Ace. By hitting a soft 18, players significantly increase their chances of improving their hand and beating the dealer.
