Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do

Blackjack remains a worldwide favourite in online casinos, and mastering your hands can dramatically swing your wins and losses. The game's objective is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over. This guide dives deep into the best and worst blackjack hands, equipping Canadian players with strategies, probabilities, and handy charts to make smarter decisions at the virtual felt.

Understanding Your Blackjack Hands in Canada

Each card in blackjack carries a specific point value. Aces are flexible, counting as either 1 or 11 points, while face cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks) are all worth 10 points. All other cards are valued at their face value. The ultimate hand, a "natural blackjack," is an Ace paired with any 10-point card, instantly totalling 21.

The sheer number of possible two-card blackjack hands varies greatly depending on the number of decks used. With a single deck, there are 1,326 possible combinations. Go up to six decks, and that number rockets to over 4 million potential hands! It’s a lot to consider, but understanding the basics is key.

What Are the Strongest Blackjack Hands for Canadians?

The best blackjack hands are those with a high probability of hitting 21 or getting very close, giving you a solid edge over the dealer. Naturally, the top hand is the "natural blackjack" – an Ace and a 10-point card – which pays out at a sweet 3:2.

Beyond the natural, consider pairs of Aces or Eights. These are golden opportunities because you can "split" them into two separate hands, significantly boosting your chances of hitting a total closer to 21. A "soft 18" (an Ace and a Seven) is also a great hand to play – you can hit for another card without the risk of busting.

Which Are the Weakest Blackjack Hands to Watch Out For?

The weakest hands are those that put you at high risk of "busting" – going over 21. The classic example of a poor hand is a hard 16 (like a 10 and a Six). Standing with this total is risky, but hitting another card means you'll likely bust. Knowing these hands is crucial for making informed decisions on when to hit, stand, double down, or split.

Other weak blackjack hands include a hard 12 or 13, which should be hit if the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher. A hard 15 or 16 should also be hit if the dealer's upcard is a 7 or higher.

What Percentage of Hands do you win in Blackjack?

The percentage of hands a player can win in blackjack depends on various factors, including the player's skill level, the casino's rules, and the number of decks used. On average, a skilled player can win around 48-49% of hands played.

Blackjack Hand Strategies

The best blackjack strategy to win at online casinos involves following a set of rules that players can use to make strategic decisions during the game. The basic blackjack strategy can help players maximize their chances of winning by advising them when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand and the dealer's up card.

Hard hands

For hard hands, players should hit if their hand value is 8 or less, while they should double down if their hand value is 9-11, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is 12-16, players should hit if the dealer's up card is 7 or higher; otherwise, they should stand. If their hand value is 17 or higher, players should always stand.

Soft hands

For soft hands, players should double down if their hand value is Ace-2 through Ace-7, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is Ace-8 or Ace-9, players should always stand.

Pairs

For pairs, players should always split Aces and 8s, while never splitting 5s and 10s. Other pairs should be split based on the dealer's up card, with certain pairs being split only if the dealer's up card is within a specific range.

Surrender

Finally, players may surrender their hand in certain situations, forfeiting half of their bet but ending the hand. Surrender is advised in certain scenarios, such as when the player's hand value is 15-17 and the dealer's up card is high.

Multiple Hands in Blackjack

Online casinos offer players the opportunity to play multiple hands of blackjack simultaneously, increasing the number of hands played per hour. Players should be cautious when playing multiple hands, as it can increase their chances of losing. It is recommended that players stick to playing one or two hands at a time to maximize their chances of winning.

Conclusion about Blackjack Hands

Knowing the best and worst blackjack hands and when to hit, stand, split, or double down is essential for any player looking to increase their chances of winning. While luck plays a significant role in the game of blackjack, implementing the strategies outlined in this article can help players make more informed decisions at the tables.

Remember that playing blackjack, like any form of gambling, carries a risk, and players should never bet more than they can afford to lose. Online casinos provide players with a safe and convenient way to play blackjack, but it is essential to choose a good online casino with fair rules and regulations. Following the strategies outlined in this article and playing responsibly, players will be able to enjoy the excitement and thrill of blackjack while minimizing their losses.