Advanced Blackjack Strategy

Applying basic strategy when playing blackjack online or at brick and mortar casinos can reduce House edge to a razor thin 0.50%, although for some that’s still not good enough. Without becoming an expert at counting cards, it’s impossible to swing that edge, but ways to shave extra percentage points from odds by using advanced strategies exist, ultimately improving the entire decision-making process.

It takes years to perfect game play, albeit it’s absolutely feasible to one day start executing correct choices without even thinking about it. A solid mixture of reading, studying charts, and practice guarantees skills are elevated above average people sitting at the table.

Make-up of the Hand

Basic strategy charts delve no further than hand totals, yet it’s make-up forces subtle shifts in certain circumstances. Consider holding a 16 versus a dealer 10. Despite the disadvantageous position, the best way to minimize losses is to habitually hit. That said, what if it’s comprised of 7-4-5 rather than only two cards? The removal of one small card actually tips scales in favor of standing instead of hitting since the chances of busting are much greater.

At first glance, this might seem like a fairly insignificant nugget of knowledge, but for those planning to spend hundreds of hours on the felt it yields larger profits over time. Simply stated, each piece of strategy gained leads to more winning hands and as a result, additional funds in pockets.

Hitting 12s

Following basic blackjack strategy prescribes always hitting on 12s unless dealers display a 4, 5, or 6. Reasoning for this is fairly straightforward as croupiers bust 44% of the time on 6s and 42% on 5s. With 7s or higher, these numbers start at 26% and only go down from there, even stranger if dealers show 2, 3, or 4.

Basic charts dictate an identical action if holding a 6 or 4, even though chances of House busts are 4% less. They also instruct hitting against 3s (38% chance of busting) and when challenging 10s (21%).

Nevertheless, those hard numbers don’t take other factors into consideration or examine supplemental information. For example, participants can draw upon data such as amount of ten-value cards exposed, this requiring a deviation from standard approaches, suggesting decisions should be changed.

Shuffle Tracking

This is absolutely an advanced blackjack strategy embraced by innumerable veterans, Shuffle Tracking, performed in tandem with card counting involving tables utilizing six or eight decks. In addition to assigning individual values to cards as they’re played, the shuffle tracker or team, attempts to read shoes by observing subsections of high or low, referred to as tracking zones. When a zone of high cards is identified, or low ones are exhausted, ante sizes are altered accordingly.

If mastering the above, perhaps attempt the controversial tactic known as “clump reading“, based on the notion shuffled decks either distribute cards evenly or set them out in clumps, becoming identifiable by studying what’s coming out of the shoe. This theory is generally peddled by “experts” trying to sell books devoted to various “gambling systems” and spoiler alert, most have been completely debunked long ago, so don’t waste time on them.

Betting From Behind

When rules permit, staking another player’s hand is possible via betting from behind. For instance, someone with a short chip stack or timid nature may be unwilling to double down on an 11 against a dealer 10. However, observers can offer to finance the double instead, wagering on the draw, while those seated maintain original antes.

Although this doesn’t involve direct involvement, it’s still a way to make money when running cold or needing a break. Sometimes other folks possess all the “luck” that day.

When to use Advanced Blackjack Strategy

After reading this guide, it should be clear to never discount the value of predetermined blueprints as they lead to correct decision making in the vast majority of situations. Of course, knowing just a little bit more about rare occurrences when close calls can go either way drops House edges a fraction.

Remember that all advanced techniques, including card counting, shouldn’t be employed until basic strategy is first learned, because only then are truly beneficial choices apparent. These will add up over time through practice and experience, so ensure to learn as much as possible before putting bankrolls in harm’s way.