Blackjack - Here are the rules and skills for card counting in the game of Blackjack - OFA168 Casino

Online Blackjack in the Singapore

When it comes to blackjack, known in the Singapore by the more affectionate term “21,” the game has been revolving for over four thousand years, undergoing various changes over time. In the case of a 2-card 21, the player wins all bets unless it is an Ace of Spades or Dragon Ace, where the achievement is 1 to 10. This rule led to the popular name “blackjack.” The goal is to use more than 21.

The game of blackjack is widely available in casinos across North America, Australia, and Europe.

In online casinos in the Singapore, most of them offer blackjack, playable in both flash games and live card games. However, in terms of popularity, it may not be as renowned as baccarat.

This indicates that blackjack attracts more players, especially in recent years in the Singapore.

Rules of Blackjack

Blackjack is a winning game between the dealer and the player. Players aim for the smallest and largest agreed-upon total, then the dealer gives 2 cards to each side. One of the dealer’s cards should be revealed, and the player needs to decide for themselves whether to get another card to get more or keep the hand. If the total is more than 21, they are deemed “busted” and lose the bet; if the total is larger than the dealer’s but less than 21, they collect the money. Remember: aces are counted as 1, 10, or 11, depending on the player’s preference, and other cards are counted according to their value (the number on the card, for example, 8 is 8 points, etc.). When the game opens, no matter how many points the player gets, as long as they are under 21, and the dealer busts, they will be paid 1 to 1. Therefore, many players often do not draw additional cards and hold on to their current total (meaning, 16, 17 points).

In this case, the player will “stand” and not draw more cards. Since a deck with only 16 cards is worth more than 10 (the third part of the deck), there is a high chance that the dealer will not see it or, because the low card is 10, they will draw another 10 and bust.

Tips for Playing Blackjack

At the beginning of the game, the dealer sends each player a hidden card clockwise, and each player places a bet after seeing the card. Then the dealer gives each player a clear card. If someone is directly at 21 at this time, they should immediately flip the card, and the dealer will pay double the bet; and if the dealer is at 21, each player must also pay double to the banker, but the player with 2 cards and a blackjack like the banker can only pay 1x.

After the two cards are dealt, if there is no 21, the game continues. At this time, the dealer will ask each player clockwise if they will make cards. After the card, the dealer will ask the next one.

If the player feels that he is very close to blackjack after making his cards, the player can choose to stand at this time, but after standing, the deck cannot be drawn again.

If after asking for a card, the player’s points exceed 21, he needs to show his card, and the bet will go to the dealer, regardless of whether the dealer’s own card is also busted.

When the last player decides not to draw any more cards, the dealer will show his hidden card and draw cards. If the total points are less than 17 points, he is forced to draw cards, and then compare the points with the players, the one closest to 21 wins.

How to count blackjack?

The logic of card counting is based on mathematical statistics. In simple terms, when the majority of remaining cards in the deck are high-value cards, the probability of the dealer busting increases. At this point, players may choose not to draw additional cards and bet on the dealer busting with their initial two cards. If the dealer’s hand is below 17 points, they are required to draw another card and are likely to bust, resulting in a win for the player.

Around the 1960s, American scholars began using computers to count cards. Initially, they divided a deck of 52 cards into three groups:

High-value cards – 10/J/Q/K/A.
Neutral hands – 7/8/9.
Low-value cards – 2/3/4/5/6.

Since the number of high-point cards and low-point cards is equal in a deck, players count from zero when tallying cards. They assign a value of +1 to low-point cards and -1 to high-point cards. When this count is a “positive number,” it means there are more small cards dealt in the current situation, and most of the remaining cards in the deck are high-value cards. At this point, the dealer has a high likelihood of drawing a busting card, and the player may make a strategic move.

Card counting skills are not difficult to acquire, and interested players may want to practice further. They should not only be familiar with the method but also proficient enough to apply it confidently in casinos or online gaming environments.

Stand

If your initial two cards are satisfactory, you may choose to stand, and the dealer will proceed to the next player. Hand signal: Wave your hand or simply expose an open palm above the felt.

Hit

If you want more cards to improve the total of your hand, the dealer will give you additional cards one at a time until you either “bust” (exceed 21) or choose to stand. There is no limit to the number of cards you can take (except exceeding a total of 21). [Hand signal: Tap the felt using your finger.]

Double Down

If you have a favorable total in your hand but need to take an additional card, you can double your initial bet, and the dealer will give you 1 additional card. [Hand signal: Just place a bet equal to your initial bet on the left side of your original bet, and the dealer will give you an additional card, placed sideways to indicate that you cannot take any more cards.] Note: Most casinos also allow you to “double for less,” meaning you don’t need to place an equivalent bet to your original wager. However, mathematically speaking, there is never a time when doubling for less is a better decision than doubling for the full amount, so we do not recommend “doubling for less” even if the casino permits it.

Split

If you are dealt a pair (2 cards with the same numerical value), you have the option to place a second bet, and the dealer will split the two cards so that each card becomes the first card in your two separate hands. This also applies to face cards. You are allowed to split a hand consisting of a King and a Jack because they both have the same value, even though they are not technically a pair. [Hand signal: Place a second bet equal to your first. Then, make a “peace sign” to indicate that you want to split and not double. The dealer will separate your initial hand into two hands and give you a second card for each one.]

Surrender

Main strategy or strategy

The winning tactics in Blackjack require players to play each hand in the best possible way, always considering the dealer’s upcard. When the dealer’s upcard is strong or favorable, such as a 7, 8, 9, 10-card, or an ace, for example, the player should not stop hitting until reaching a total of 17 or higher. When the dealer’s upcard is weak or low, like 4, 5, or 6, the player should stop hitting as soon as they have a total of 12 or higher. The strategy here is never to take a card if there’s any chance of going bust. The goal in a weak hand is to let the dealer hit and hopefully go over 21.

Overall, when the dealer’s upcard is neutral, like 2 or 3, the player should stop with a total of 13 or higher. Using your hand, the general strategy is to keep hitting until reaching a total of at least 18. So, with an ace and a six (7 or 17), the player wouldn’t stop at 17 but would hit.

The basic strategy for doubling down is as follows: With a total of 11, the player should always double down. With a total of 10, they should double down unless the dealer is showing a ten-card or an ace. With a total of 9, the player should double down only if the dealer’s card is neutral or weak (2 to 6). For splitting, the player should always split a pair of aces or 8s; they should not split a pair of tens, and they should also avoid splitting a pair of 5s since two 5s make a total of 10, which can be used more effectively by doubling down. A pair of 4s should not be split either, as a total of 8 is a good number to draw to. In general, 2s, 3s, or 7s can be split unless the dealer has an 8, 9, ten-card, or ace. Finally, 6s should not be split unless the dealer’s card is weak (2 to 6).

Give the Dealer a chance to bust.

If the dealer has a 4, 5, or 6, you shouldn’t be in a hurry for additional cards unless you have a ‘soft’ hand (where an additional card won’t bust you). It’s likely the dealer will bust, which works in your favor. However, in reality, there are many opportunities when the dealer is close to busting, and you can choose to double down or split to potentially win more money.

Hard Hand

If you have a strong 17 or higher, don’t rush to ask for more cards, even if the dealer’s upcard is higher than yours, as you are likely to bust. Even if you estimate that the dealer is likely to have a 10, remember that the total of all their cards cannot exceed 10 at any time. If you have 17 and the dealer has an 8, and their hole card is 9, it’s still a draw. And if their hole card is lower than 9, then they bust.

If you get an Ace and an 8, you should split it, and if you get a 10, you shouldn't split it against 4, 5, and 6.

A single Ace is a very strong hand – together they make 12. So, as long as you get two Aces and use them separately, there’s a chance you could beat two blackjacks. Two eights together make 16, which is the weakest hand you can have. But if you split them and make two 18s, your hand is somewhat risky for the other player. While a 10 is good to start with, a 20 is too high, and the risk of splitting is high. And when you split two 6s, you have two 6-point hands, which is the worst hand.

Money Management

Bankroll management is crucial in blackjack, as it is one of the most popular gambling games that requires players to memorize more strategies and tactics to play well. Mastering basic strategy can reduce the casino’s edge, and players skilled in card counting can even turn the tables to a 0 edge. Another fundamental strategy in blackjack is managing your bankroll.

Set a stop-loss floor

By setting your stop-loss floor, you not only minimize your losses but also protect the opportunity to turn over. It’s simple, just set an amount you’re willing to lose, say $500, and when that $500 is lost, it’s time to leave the game.

However, if you continue and win $1,000, you can keep playing. But once that $1,000 win drops to $500, it’s time to stop to not only secure your winnings but also have a chance to win again another time. Also, if you win $1,200 and have $700 left, it’s time to call it a day.

Have Sufficient Funds

Unlike other games, in Blackjack, there may be instances where players are asked to place larger bets as the game progresses. To win double or tie, you need to place more chips, and if you don’t have enough chips, you won’t be able to continue. Therefore, in a strategic manner, you should always have enough chips ready to face these situations. Whenever you place a bet, make sure you have enough money to split or double your bet (this process is called ‘split betting’).