Expert answers to common questions about blackjack, card counting, and advantage play
The goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's hand, without exceeding 21. You're not competing against other players, only the dealer.
Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever is more favorable for your hand.
A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11 (like A-6 = soft 17). A hard hand either has no Ace or the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting (like A-7-9 = hard 17).
Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 5s or 10s. For other pairs, it depends on the dealer's upcard. Use our basic strategy trainer to learn the optimal decisions.
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. It reduces the house edge to as low as 0.28% in favorable games, compared to 2-4% for typical recreational players.
No, insurance is a side bet with a 7.4% house edge. It's never profitable unless you're counting cards and know the deck is rich in 10-value cards.
While 18 seems like a good hand, against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace, the dealer makes a strong hand too often. Hitting soft 18 gives you a chance to improve without risk of busting.
Most dedicated students can learn basic strategy in 2-4 weeks with daily practice. Use our basic strategy trainer to accelerate the learning process.
No, card counting is not illegal. It's a skill-based strategy using only your mind and observation. However, casinos can refuse service to advantage players as they are private businesses.
Skilled card counters can achieve a 1-2% advantage over the house. This translates to winning about $10-20 per hour per $100 average bet, but requires significant bankroll and skill.
Running count is your ongoing tally as cards are dealt. True count is the running count divided by the estimated decks remaining, giving a more accurate picture in multi-deck games.
Online blackjack typically uses continuous shuffle machines or reshuffles after every hand, making card counting ineffective. Live dealer games may offer some opportunities but are heavily monitored.
A conservative bankroll is 1,000+ betting units. For $10 minimum bets, you'd need $10,000+. Smaller bankrolls increase your risk of ruin significantly.
Risk of ruin is the probability of losing your entire bankroll before achieving your win goal. Even with an advantage, poor bankroll management can lead to ruin.
Bet size should correlate with the true count and your bankroll. Never bet more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on any single hand, even with a high count.
Casinos look for betting patterns that correlate with the count, playing deviations from basic strategy, and behavioral tells. Surveillance technology has become very sophisticated.
Casinos may ask you to leave, ban you from playing blackjack, or trespass you from the property. They cannot confiscate winnings obtained through legal play.
Look for games with: 3:2 blackjack payouts, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, surrender permitted, and fewer decks. Avoid 6:5 blackjack games.
Yes, as private businesses, casinos can refuse service to anyone for any reason except protected classes. Card counting is not a protected activity.
Yes, using electronic devices to aid in gambling is illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in criminal charges. Card counting must be done mentally.
Tipping is part of normal casino etiquette and helps with camouflage. However, excessive tipping can significantly impact your hourly win rate.