Top Ten Blackjack Tips

1. Before joining any online blackjack game, make sure you know the rules before depositing any money. Never bet more than you can afford and as always be sure not to drink and gamble - not even during an online game. Drinking will distract you from focusing properly on the actual strategy of the game and in turn you could risk losing a lot of money.

2. Since the dealer has to hit (place a card down) on any hand of 16 or lower, you will never win with less than 17 unless the dealer busts. So, take a hit on any hand below 17 when the dealer shows either an ace, K, Q, J, 10, 9, or 8 – basically cards that are unlikely to make the dealer bust. Stand on any hand above 11 when the dealer shows either a 4, 5, or 6. These are cards that will lead the dealer to bust over 40% of the time.

3. If you are dealt two cards of the same value, for example two 9’s, you may "split" them, doubling your bet and playing two hands. Never split 10's or 5's and always split 8's or 7's against a dealer's card of equal or lower value. Always split 2's or 3's against a 4, 5, or 6 and always split aces. Remember never to split either face cards, 10's, or 5's.

4. Always split your Aces and 8s, regardless of what card the dealer is showing

6. If you decide to stand on a total of 17 or lower, you will be relying on the dealer to go over 21 and bust. If you have a ‘soft’ hand, you won't go bust with a single hit, so here are 3 tips to bear in mind. When your hand contains 3 or more cards, hit on a soft 13-17. When your hand contains 2 cards it is advisable to double down soft 13-17 against the dealers up-card of 5 or 6. Although many online blackjack players stand on soft 18, you might want to consider hitting when the dealers' showing card is 9, 10-value, or ace. When the upcard is 2, 7, or 8, you should stand, and double down if the dealer shows a 3-6 upcard.

7. Find a table whose minimum is no more than 5% of you total betting money. When picking a table, consider rule variations that help the player like the option of doubling down on any two cards, or the dealer having to stand on soft 17. Even if you don't completely understand all them, these rule variations can work to your advantage.

8. Only take the double if: You get a 9 and the dealers' showing card is 3-6.  You get a 10-value card and the dealer's card isn't 10 or an aceYou get an ace (which is counted as either 1 or 11) and the dealer's up-card isn’t an ace. "Doubling down" involves doubling your bet and receiving an additional card when you believe that you will beat the dealer by doing so. This is the player's main advantage, so don't ignore this option.

9. You should stand on a hard 13 through 16, but only if the card the dealer is showing is a 6 or lower. If the dealer’s showing card is a 7 through an Ace, you should hit.

10. A few other blackjack tips:

When you get a hard 12-16 and the dealers' upcard is 4-6, stand.

When you get that same 12-16 and the dealer shows 2, 3 or 7+, hit. On soft 17 you hit, but on 17-21 you stand. Pairs of 8's and aces are a classic split material.  When the dealer is showing a card of 8 or lower, double down on your 10 or 11.If the dealer shows 7 or lower, be sure to stand on hard 17.Hit until you have at least 17 against a dealers' showing card of 10. Against the dealers' 10, always hit a soft 17.Make sure to stand on soft 19 or higher.