Maximizing Your Wins: Optimal Blackjack Strategy in 2024

Blackjack is a casino classic that combines skill and strategy, making it a favorite among gamblers seeking a game of wits against the house. To truly master the art of blackjack and boost your chances of walking away a winner, it's crucial to understand optimal playing strategies. Moreover, choosing a version that offers the surrender option can significantly enhance your Return to Player (RTP) and overall gaming experience.

 

The Basics of Optimal Blackjack Play:

At its core, optimal blackjack play involves making decisions based on statistical probability to maximize the player's chances of winning. The goal is to beat the dealer without exceeding a total card value of 21. Here are fundamental strategies to follow:

1. Know When to Hit or Stand:
   1. Hit when your total is 8 or less.
   2. Stand when your total is 17 or more.
   3. Consider doubling down when your hand totals 10 or 11.
2. Soft Hands Strategy:
   1. A soft hand contains an Ace that can be valued as 1 or 11.
   2. Generally, with a soft 17 or less, you should hit.
   3. With a soft 18 or more, you should stand.
3. Pairs Strategy:
   1. Always split Aces and 8s.
   2. Never split 10s.
4. Doubling Down:
   1. Double down with a total of 9 when the dealer's upcard is 3 to 6.
   2. Double down with a total of 10 unless the dealer has a 10 or Ace.

 

The Power of Surrender:

Now, let's delve into why playing a version of blackjack that offers surrender can be a game-changer. Surrender allows players to give up half their bet and forfeit the round, effectively minimizing losses in unfavorable situations. There are two types of surrender: Early Surrender and Late Surrender.

1. Early Surrender:

1. 1. Players can surrender before the dealer checks for a blackjack.
   2. This option provides a higher RTP, giving players an edge.
2. Late Surrender:

1. 1. Players can surrender after the dealer checks for a blackjack.
   2. Though not as advantageous as early surrender, it still improves the overall RTP.

 

Higher RTP with Surrender:

The incorporation of surrender in blackjack significantly impacts the game's RTP. By wisely surrendering in situations where the odds are against you, you effectively reduce the house edge. This strategic move can make a substantial difference in the long run, making surrender a valuable tool in the hands of an astute player.

 

Conclusion: Elevating Your Blackjack Game:

Mastering optimal blackjack play requires dedication to understanding the nuances of the game and implementing strategic decisions. Choosing a version that offers surrender can elevate your gameplay by providing an additional layer of control over your losses. By intelligently utilizing surrender options, you not only enhance your chances of winning individual hands but also contribute to a higher overall Return to Player, making your blackjack experience more rewarding and enjoyable.

By simply following these basic steps, you can increase your returns by over 2%!

Some of the best blackjack RTP games can be found on:

DraftKings (READ OUR REVIEW HERE) - Poker & Pairs Blackjack Multihand with Surrender 

ScoreBet (READ OUR REVIEW HERE) - Blackjack with Surrender by IGT

FanDuel (READ OUR REVIEW HERE) - Blackjack Classic