Blackjack Odds

The casino game Blackjack has several versions that affect the odds of the game. It can be played with one deck of cards and up to eight decks of cards. The number of decks changes the odds of the game.

Overall blackjack odds are very favorable to the player as the casino edge is low. In fact the casino edge on blackjack is one of the lowest casino edges out of all the different casino games, which allows players a chance to a much higher payout percentage for their gaming session.

Blackjack is a strategic game with an element of chance to it. This is probably why it's such a popular game among serious gamblers and those who fancy their chances at becoming professional gamblers.

The odds for the player to win are increased the stricter the player is in following the game's strategy. Overall when following good blackjack strategy they can decrease the house edge, which is the odds the house has of winning the player's money, to as low as 0.1% and, of course, a player can increase the casino's odds by making play decisions based on their guts feeling rather than following the strategy.

There are a few cardinal rules when playing the game, regardless of how many decks of cards are used. Novice players should always try to adhere to these simple rules:

- Double on 9 if the dealer is showing 3 to 6 and doesn't show an Ace or 10.
- Never opt to take insurance when the dealer is showing an Ace and offers the
   insurance option. Among professional gamblers the option of     
   insurance is known as a "sucker's bet".
- Always splits 8's and Aces.
- Always avoid splitting 4's, 5's and 10's.
- Always stand on 17 if the dealer shows 7 or lower card.
- When the option of "Surrender" is possible (in most tables it is not) opt for it when you 
   have a hand of 15-16 and the dealer is showing a 10 or an Ace.

Players who will follow these basic strategic rules will be sure to have a much longer playing session than players betting the same amount but playing wild and without a fixed strategy and of course will also increase the chance of winning more hands and making money while playing.