Learning blackjack strategies and tips will give you the best chance of coming away with a profit when playing the game online. There are some easy online blackjack tips you can gather that will get you moving in the right direction. You can also go as you deep as you want into more complex strategies to learn to win at blackjack online.
How To Win Online Blackjack, General Strategy: Double, Split and Surrender. Everything that we have described so far with the identification of strong and weak dealer cards is the basis of knowing how to deal with the special options, which are all of your options in the game that are not hitting or standing. In states with legal, live online casinos, check out DraftKings Casino and BetMGM for some of the best online blackjack for real money. Sweepstakes Blackjack. For players without real money online blackjack, sweepstakes casinos are the best alternative. They're legal in every state except Washington. Good blackjack strategy is not simply playing by the book or counting cards – it is a firm understanding of how to play, and how to carry yourself at the table. We here at Best Blackjack Online give you every tool that you will need to increase your chances of being successful and enjoy this great table game as much as possible. Read our Gambling Guides as many times as you need to in order to fully memorize all of the important information.
In the world of online casinos, the game of blackjack stands as one of the most popular around. After all, many people have either played it in casinos or have watched others do it. As a result, there's a comfort level to playing blackjack online that might not exist with other casino games.
Go straight to Blackjack Online Strategy Card. When you are playing blackjack online to meet the wagering requirement for a bonus in an Internet Casino, or in any other situation where you have a wagering requirement, the best basic strategy for blackjack changes slightly. Don't split 5s or 10s: A pair of 5s gives you a great chance to hit blackjack. While many players think splitting 10s is the correct call, drawing low cards would put you in a tricky position. Stand on soft 19 and 20: This is one of the easiest blackjack strategy rules to remember.
But it's important that you think of your gambling as a form of investment. To protect that investment, you need to learn the proper online blackjack strategies and tips that will help you improve play. Just a little bit of study and practice make a huge bit of difference.
This article will provide you with some of the best blackjack strategies and tips to help you with your play. We'll talk about how you can make the right decisions in every situation. And we'll also get into bankroll management and advanced strategy while also answering some of your top questions about the game.
Using Blackjack Strategy Charts Online
The good news about online blackjack is that there is no shortage of available advice on how to play the game. Strategy charts are everywhere online, as apps, or even in books. You just have to find the one that works for you.
Strategy charts work by giving you the proper play for every possible deal that you receive and every possible card that the dealer has showing. For example, you might see something like this as just a small portion of one of these charts.
| Your Hand | Dealer Card: 2 | Dealer Card: 3 | Dealer Card: 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard 12 | Hit | Hit | Stand |
| Hard 13 | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| Hard 14 | Stand | Stand | Stand |
This shows you that, for example, if you receive a 12 with your first two cards with no ace involved (hence a 'hard 12') and the dealer is showing a 2, you should hit. If, however, you have a hard 13 and the dealer holds a 2, you should stand.
You might be able to get this information in list form, which can make it easier for you to digest. In either case, if you can manage to memorize this information, you'll be well ahead of the game in terms of online blackjack tips and tricks.
Easy Beginning Blackjack Strategy
One simple strategy you can use when you're just learning to play blackjack online is one where you assume that the card the dealer has face down has a value of 10. It will remove the need for you to have to memorize strategies. You can just decide based on simple math whether you're ahead or behind in the hand and act accordingly.
The problem with this strategy is that it's an extremely conservative way to play. Most expert players realize that playing this way will cost them in terms of payback. But, for beginners, this isn't a bad way to go if you haven't yet done any memorization.
Advanced Online Blackjack Strategies
What you'll find when you're trying to learn how to win at blackjack online is that there are basic strategies and advanced strategies. The distinction between them can sometimes be hard to tell.
For example, a basic strategy might ask you to learn seven rules. An advanced online blackjack strategy might require you to learn much more than that.
In general, advanced strategies will improve your overall payback percentage ever so slightly. That can be worth it if you're going to be the type of online blackjack player who plays with regularity.
Card-Specific Online Blackjack Strategy
In most basic strategies, you are told to hit, stand, double, surrender or take insurance based on the total value of the cards that you have. For example, if you have 13, it doesn't matter if you have a seven and a six or a jack and a three in your hand. You just commit to your action based on the total.
But a card-specific strategy might change depending on which cards are involved. The idea behind this is that having certain cards in play changes the odds slightly and affects the strategy somewhat on some occasions.
Online Blackjack Card Counting
Card counting is of limited use to you when it comes down to online blackjack play. Many online blackjack games employ an automatic dealer. This means that the deck gets reshuffled every time and renders card counting useless.
If that's the case, you might be able to gain an advantage from card counting in online blackjack. Card counting allows you to know if the current advantage going into a hand belongs to you or the dealer. You can bet accordingly, either higher or lower than your normal amount, with this knowledge in place.
Online Blackjack Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is an underrated part of playing blackjack online. You should always be aware of what your bankroll is compared to your goals.
Here are some factors you should take into consideration when it comes to your bankroll management:
- How much you can afford to lose in a single session
- How long you're hoping to play
- How much volatility is involved in the style of video poker you're playing
- How much you're hoping to win
Best Betting Strategy For Online Blackjack
Experienced players know how to factor all of this into the size of their original bankroll. If you're just starting out in the world of online blackjack, try to give yourself a bankroll that allows the chance to enjoy yourself.
Adjusting Your Online Blackjack Strategy
One common mistake that beginning online blackjack players make is that they use the same strategy no matter what type of blackjack they're playing. All of the work that you do learning how to play certain hands can backfire if you're playing a game with different rules than the style that your instruction was teaching you to perfect.
There are certain factors that will cause the strategy to change slightly. Check them out below.
- Whether or not a dealer has to hit on a soft 17. By 'soft 17,' we mean a hand like ace-six, where the ace, in the player's hands, can be valued at 1 or 11. Some games allow the dealer to keep hitting at this point, while other online blackjack variations insist that they have to stand.
- Splitting rules. The standby in blackjack is that a player can continue splitting cards until they have four hands. But some online blackjack games only allow three or ever two hands after splitting.
- Doubling limitations. If you can find a game which allows you to double no matter what you have, you'll have to learn plays for potential doubles that you wouldn't otherwise. Many games limit your chances to double when you have certain cards on the deal.
- Insurance and surrender. Surrendering can be an effective option for players to cut their losses when they're behind the dealer. Insurance is less valuable, but there might be occasions where it makes sense. In any case, your strategy will have to include these options if the version of blackjack you're playing online includes them.
Strategy for Special Blackjack Variations
If you seek out blackjack online games, you're likely to find some unfamiliar titles listed among the options. Games like Spanish 21, Blackjack Switch, European Blackjack, or Pontoon might pop up. Each of these games contain little twists that change up game play a little bit.
The first thing you should do to learn strategy for these blackjack games is to learn what makes them different. You should first decide if the game is worth playing based on these changes, since some of these games can actually lower online blackjack odds for the player overall.
FAQ About Online Blackjack Strategy
Should I Adjust My Strategy Based on How My Session Is Going?
When you're playing online blackjack with an automatic dealer, each deal is a fresh one. As a result, it bears no relation to any hands that have come before it. Any hot or cold streaks you might be having are purely due to luck.
Your strategy for online blackjack should be the same for the thousandth hand that you play as it was for the first. Don't play based on guesses or hunches. Stick to the online blackjack strategy with which you began.
How Much Time Should I Take to Learn Blackjack Strategy?
Part of this is based on what you want out of the game. Do you want to be an expert player who makes the most possible money? If so, then you should take as much time as possible to get your strategy airtight.
In addition, you have to base it on how well you take the instruction. Some people can memorize quicker than others. If memorization is burdensome, just try to take some basic online blackjack tips with you into your session.
Can I Consult My Strategy Tips While Playing Blackjack Online?
This is one of the biggest advantages to playing online. There is nobody watching you to say what you can or can't do. If you're a beginner and want to get things just right on each hand, you can feel free to have your online blackjack strategy information right by your side.
There may be exceptions to this. You might get in a game with other players where you have to decide on a play in a certain time. Also, you might want to learn strategy without having to consult a chart if only to speed up your play and give you more chances to win.
Try These Online Blackjack Tips and Strategies Yourself
With the right online blackjack strategy and tips at your disposal, you can play blackjack online for real money at a high level. Make sure to find the right type of strategy for your skill level and your needs to get the possible online blackjack results.
Optimal Blackjack Strategy with a Wagering Requirement
By Arnold Snyder
(From How to Beat Internet Casinos and Poker Rooms, Cardoza Publishing, 2005)
© 2005 Arnold Snyder
When you are playing blackjack online to meet the wagering requirement for a bonus in an Internet Casino, or in any other situation where you have a wagering requirement, the best basic strategy for blackjack changes slightly.
If you are unfamiliar with standard blackjack basic strategy, see Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy in the Blackjack Forum Gambling Library. That article is an introduction to the logic behind normal blackjack basic strategy, with comprehensive charts.
For those who already know blackjack basic strategy who are surprised to learn that correct strategy with a wagering requirement would be different, here is the logic as it applies to a double down decision:
If I want to know whether I should double down on a total of 9 against a dealer deuce, I have to consider the return on getting double the money on the table with this strong total while giving up the option to rehit the hand if I am dealt a 2 or 3 on it. To double down on a 9 v. 2 and catch a deuce on it is a truly miserable result. Here I am with a total of 11, that I cannot take another card on, and I have double my bet on this hand!
As it turns out, this is one of those borderline decisions that changes according to the number of decks in play. In single and double-deck, the basic strategy is to double down on the total of 9 v. 2, because having that one deuce taken out of play (the dealer's upcard), has removed a significant enough percentage of the remaining deuces to make the double down the optimal play.
In fact, with three decks, it's correct to double down on 9 v. 2 if my total of 9 is comprised of a 7-2, since this would mean two deuces would have been removed from the remaining cards. But as soon as we get to 4 or more decks, the basic strategy for 9 v. 2 is to hit, and not double. That's how the logic works.
But let's look at how much of a borderline decision this is. In a shoe game (and it will be slightly different with 4, 6, or 8 decks), if I am dealt a total of 9 v. 2, I have a approximately a 7.85% advantage over the house if I just hit. In dollars and cents, this means that with a $100 bet, my average return on this hand with basic strategy (hit) is to make $7.85.
How much money do I lose if I double down? Well, not really that much. If I double down on this hand in a 4-deck game, my win expectation is about $7.45. Card counters who table hop and play only plus counts just about always double down on 9 v. 2 because with most balanced count systems the index number for doubling down on this hand is 0. If you have just the slightest positive count, doubling down becomes the correct play.
In any case, since a return of $7.45 is less than a return of $7.85, basic strategy with 9 v. 2 is to hit in all games with more than three decks, not double down.
But, consider an Internet 4-deck game where I have a wagering requirement to fulfill. Let's say I have a total wagering requirement of $2000, and I've already played through $1800 in action. In other words, I have exactly $200 of action left to meet my wagering requirement. The casino allows a $100 max bet. I place a $100 bet, and I am dealt a 9 v. 2. How should I play it?
Consider:
If I hit, I have an expected return on this hand of $7.85. I then must play one additional $100 hand, and I must assume that the cost of this random hand will have the house edge of 0.50%. This second $100 hand that I must play to meet my wagering requirement has a negative return of -$0.50. So, for these two hands, my total return is $7.85 - $0.50 = $7.35.
If, however, I violate standard basic strategy and double down on my 9 v. 2, my total return on the $200 in action will be 10 cents higher, $7.45. So, when there is a wagering requirement, basic strategy for the 4-deck game changes.
But, with 6 decks, if I double down on 9 v. 2, it will cost me about 21 more cents than hitting and playing a second hand against the house edge, so with 6 or more decks, it is best to follow the standard multiple-deck basic strategy for 9 v. 2, and just hit.
The logic here does not require that you be down to the last two bets of a wagering requirement. As long as you are playing to meet a wagering requirement, and every additional bet (double or split) that you don't place on a hand where you have this option will require another bet on a random hand with the house edge, you will be in a situation where the value of doubling down or splitting must include the value of eliminating a random hand that must be played at the house advantage.
In any case, the value of following a Wagering Requirement Basic Strategy as opposed to a standard blackjack basic strategy where no wagering requirement is imposed is negligible. But it does exist, and smart players may want to know about it. For those who are out there playing on bonuses with wagering requirements in Internet casinos, here are the changes:
Best Online Craps Strategy
9 v. 2 = double (4 decks or fewer)
A7 v. 2 = double
A6 v. 2 = double
8 v. 6 = double down in a 2-deck game with a 5-3, but not with a 6-2
11 v. A = double down in a 2-deck game
Normal basic strategy with 9 v. 2 is to double down in 1 and 2-deck games only. With a wagering requirement, we should also double down in 4-deck games. In a 6-deck game with a wagering requirement, however, this double down would cost us an extra 21 cents on a $100 bet, so we only make the altered double down in a 4-deck game, unless we're looking for a cheap camo play in 6-deck.
Normal basic strategy with a total of 8 v. 6 is to double down in single-deck only. With a wagering requirement, we are correct to double down on 8 v. 6 in 2-deck games if our cards are 5-3, but not 6-2. With more than 2 decks, it is not correct to double down on 8 v. 6 with a wagering requirement.
Double down on 11 v. A in a 2-deck game. Normal basic strategy is to double down on 11 v. A in single-deck only, or in multi-deck if the dealer hits soft 17. In Theory of Blackjack, Griffin provided refinements to this rule, namely that if the player's 11 is a 6-5 or 7-4 (but not a 9-2 or 8-3), it is also correct to double down in 2-deck. With a wagering requirement, it is optimal to double down with 11 v. A with 6-5, 7-4, and 8-3, but 9-2 is still on the other side of borderline. With more than two decks, however, do not double down on this hand.
Best Online Blackjack Odds
Comprehensive Wagering Requirement Online Blackjack Strategy
For Any Number of Decks
STAND
Stand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | X | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H1 | H |
15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
13 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
A7 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | S2 |
DOUBLE DOWN, HARD TOTALS
Double | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | X | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D3 | D12 |
10 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H |
9 | D11 | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
8 | H | H | H | D5 | D13 | H | H | H | H | H |
DOUBLE DOWN, SOFT TOTALS
Soft Totals | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | T | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(A,9) | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
(A,8) | S | S | S | S | D5 | S | S | S | S | S |
(A,7) | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | S | S | H | H | S2 |
(A,6) | D | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,5) | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,4) | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,3) | H | H | D5 | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,2) | H | H | D5 | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
SURRENDER (LATE)
The good news about online blackjack is that there is no shortage of available advice on how to play the game. Strategy charts are everywhere online, as apps, or even in books. You just have to find the one that works for you.
Strategy charts work by giving you the proper play for every possible deal that you receive and every possible card that the dealer has showing. For example, you might see something like this as just a small portion of one of these charts.
| Your Hand | Dealer Card: 2 | Dealer Card: 3 | Dealer Card: 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard 12 | Hit | Hit | Stand |
| Hard 13 | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| Hard 14 | Stand | Stand | Stand |
This shows you that, for example, if you receive a 12 with your first two cards with no ace involved (hence a 'hard 12') and the dealer is showing a 2, you should hit. If, however, you have a hard 13 and the dealer holds a 2, you should stand.
You might be able to get this information in list form, which can make it easier for you to digest. In either case, if you can manage to memorize this information, you'll be well ahead of the game in terms of online blackjack tips and tricks.
Easy Beginning Blackjack Strategy
One simple strategy you can use when you're just learning to play blackjack online is one where you assume that the card the dealer has face down has a value of 10. It will remove the need for you to have to memorize strategies. You can just decide based on simple math whether you're ahead or behind in the hand and act accordingly.
The problem with this strategy is that it's an extremely conservative way to play. Most expert players realize that playing this way will cost them in terms of payback. But, for beginners, this isn't a bad way to go if you haven't yet done any memorization.
Advanced Online Blackjack Strategies
What you'll find when you're trying to learn how to win at blackjack online is that there are basic strategies and advanced strategies. The distinction between them can sometimes be hard to tell.
For example, a basic strategy might ask you to learn seven rules. An advanced online blackjack strategy might require you to learn much more than that.
In general, advanced strategies will improve your overall payback percentage ever so slightly. That can be worth it if you're going to be the type of online blackjack player who plays with regularity.
Card-Specific Online Blackjack Strategy
In most basic strategies, you are told to hit, stand, double, surrender or take insurance based on the total value of the cards that you have. For example, if you have 13, it doesn't matter if you have a seven and a six or a jack and a three in your hand. You just commit to your action based on the total.
But a card-specific strategy might change depending on which cards are involved. The idea behind this is that having certain cards in play changes the odds slightly and affects the strategy somewhat on some occasions.
Online Blackjack Card Counting
Card counting is of limited use to you when it comes down to online blackjack play. Many online blackjack games employ an automatic dealer. This means that the deck gets reshuffled every time and renders card counting useless.
If that's the case, you might be able to gain an advantage from card counting in online blackjack. Card counting allows you to know if the current advantage going into a hand belongs to you or the dealer. You can bet accordingly, either higher or lower than your normal amount, with this knowledge in place.
Online Blackjack Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is an underrated part of playing blackjack online. You should always be aware of what your bankroll is compared to your goals.
Here are some factors you should take into consideration when it comes to your bankroll management:
- How much you can afford to lose in a single session
- How long you're hoping to play
- How much volatility is involved in the style of video poker you're playing
- How much you're hoping to win
Best Betting Strategy For Online Blackjack
Experienced players know how to factor all of this into the size of their original bankroll. If you're just starting out in the world of online blackjack, try to give yourself a bankroll that allows the chance to enjoy yourself.
Adjusting Your Online Blackjack Strategy
One common mistake that beginning online blackjack players make is that they use the same strategy no matter what type of blackjack they're playing. All of the work that you do learning how to play certain hands can backfire if you're playing a game with different rules than the style that your instruction was teaching you to perfect.
There are certain factors that will cause the strategy to change slightly. Check them out below.
- Whether or not a dealer has to hit on a soft 17. By 'soft 17,' we mean a hand like ace-six, where the ace, in the player's hands, can be valued at 1 or 11. Some games allow the dealer to keep hitting at this point, while other online blackjack variations insist that they have to stand.
- Splitting rules. The standby in blackjack is that a player can continue splitting cards until they have four hands. But some online blackjack games only allow three or ever two hands after splitting.
- Doubling limitations. If you can find a game which allows you to double no matter what you have, you'll have to learn plays for potential doubles that you wouldn't otherwise. Many games limit your chances to double when you have certain cards on the deal.
- Insurance and surrender. Surrendering can be an effective option for players to cut their losses when they're behind the dealer. Insurance is less valuable, but there might be occasions where it makes sense. In any case, your strategy will have to include these options if the version of blackjack you're playing online includes them.
Strategy for Special Blackjack Variations
If you seek out blackjack online games, you're likely to find some unfamiliar titles listed among the options. Games like Spanish 21, Blackjack Switch, European Blackjack, or Pontoon might pop up. Each of these games contain little twists that change up game play a little bit.
The first thing you should do to learn strategy for these blackjack games is to learn what makes them different. You should first decide if the game is worth playing based on these changes, since some of these games can actually lower online blackjack odds for the player overall.
FAQ About Online Blackjack Strategy
Should I Adjust My Strategy Based on How My Session Is Going?
When you're playing online blackjack with an automatic dealer, each deal is a fresh one. As a result, it bears no relation to any hands that have come before it. Any hot or cold streaks you might be having are purely due to luck.
Your strategy for online blackjack should be the same for the thousandth hand that you play as it was for the first. Don't play based on guesses or hunches. Stick to the online blackjack strategy with which you began.
How Much Time Should I Take to Learn Blackjack Strategy?
Part of this is based on what you want out of the game. Do you want to be an expert player who makes the most possible money? If so, then you should take as much time as possible to get your strategy airtight.
In addition, you have to base it on how well you take the instruction. Some people can memorize quicker than others. If memorization is burdensome, just try to take some basic online blackjack tips with you into your session.
Can I Consult My Strategy Tips While Playing Blackjack Online?
This is one of the biggest advantages to playing online. There is nobody watching you to say what you can or can't do. If you're a beginner and want to get things just right on each hand, you can feel free to have your online blackjack strategy information right by your side.
There may be exceptions to this. You might get in a game with other players where you have to decide on a play in a certain time. Also, you might want to learn strategy without having to consult a chart if only to speed up your play and give you more chances to win.
Try These Online Blackjack Tips and Strategies Yourself
With the right online blackjack strategy and tips at your disposal, you can play blackjack online for real money at a high level. Make sure to find the right type of strategy for your skill level and your needs to get the possible online blackjack results.
Optimal Blackjack Strategy with a Wagering Requirement
By Arnold Snyder
(From How to Beat Internet Casinos and Poker Rooms, Cardoza Publishing, 2005)
© 2005 Arnold Snyder
When you are playing blackjack online to meet the wagering requirement for a bonus in an Internet Casino, or in any other situation where you have a wagering requirement, the best basic strategy for blackjack changes slightly.
If you are unfamiliar with standard blackjack basic strategy, see Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy in the Blackjack Forum Gambling Library. That article is an introduction to the logic behind normal blackjack basic strategy, with comprehensive charts.
For those who already know blackjack basic strategy who are surprised to learn that correct strategy with a wagering requirement would be different, here is the logic as it applies to a double down decision:
If I want to know whether I should double down on a total of 9 against a dealer deuce, I have to consider the return on getting double the money on the table with this strong total while giving up the option to rehit the hand if I am dealt a 2 or 3 on it. To double down on a 9 v. 2 and catch a deuce on it is a truly miserable result. Here I am with a total of 11, that I cannot take another card on, and I have double my bet on this hand!
As it turns out, this is one of those borderline decisions that changes according to the number of decks in play. In single and double-deck, the basic strategy is to double down on the total of 9 v. 2, because having that one deuce taken out of play (the dealer's upcard), has removed a significant enough percentage of the remaining deuces to make the double down the optimal play.
In fact, with three decks, it's correct to double down on 9 v. 2 if my total of 9 is comprised of a 7-2, since this would mean two deuces would have been removed from the remaining cards. But as soon as we get to 4 or more decks, the basic strategy for 9 v. 2 is to hit, and not double. That's how the logic works.
But let's look at how much of a borderline decision this is. In a shoe game (and it will be slightly different with 4, 6, or 8 decks), if I am dealt a total of 9 v. 2, I have a approximately a 7.85% advantage over the house if I just hit. In dollars and cents, this means that with a $100 bet, my average return on this hand with basic strategy (hit) is to make $7.85.
How much money do I lose if I double down? Well, not really that much. If I double down on this hand in a 4-deck game, my win expectation is about $7.45. Card counters who table hop and play only plus counts just about always double down on 9 v. 2 because with most balanced count systems the index number for doubling down on this hand is 0. If you have just the slightest positive count, doubling down becomes the correct play.
In any case, since a return of $7.45 is less than a return of $7.85, basic strategy with 9 v. 2 is to hit in all games with more than three decks, not double down.
But, consider an Internet 4-deck game where I have a wagering requirement to fulfill. Let's say I have a total wagering requirement of $2000, and I've already played through $1800 in action. In other words, I have exactly $200 of action left to meet my wagering requirement. The casino allows a $100 max bet. I place a $100 bet, and I am dealt a 9 v. 2. How should I play it?
Consider:
If I hit, I have an expected return on this hand of $7.85. I then must play one additional $100 hand, and I must assume that the cost of this random hand will have the house edge of 0.50%. This second $100 hand that I must play to meet my wagering requirement has a negative return of -$0.50. So, for these two hands, my total return is $7.85 - $0.50 = $7.35.
If, however, I violate standard basic strategy and double down on my 9 v. 2, my total return on the $200 in action will be 10 cents higher, $7.45. So, when there is a wagering requirement, basic strategy for the 4-deck game changes.
But, with 6 decks, if I double down on 9 v. 2, it will cost me about 21 more cents than hitting and playing a second hand against the house edge, so with 6 or more decks, it is best to follow the standard multiple-deck basic strategy for 9 v. 2, and just hit.
The logic here does not require that you be down to the last two bets of a wagering requirement. As long as you are playing to meet a wagering requirement, and every additional bet (double or split) that you don't place on a hand where you have this option will require another bet on a random hand with the house edge, you will be in a situation where the value of doubling down or splitting must include the value of eliminating a random hand that must be played at the house advantage.
In any case, the value of following a Wagering Requirement Basic Strategy as opposed to a standard blackjack basic strategy where no wagering requirement is imposed is negligible. But it does exist, and smart players may want to know about it. For those who are out there playing on bonuses with wagering requirements in Internet casinos, here are the changes:
Best Online Craps Strategy
9 v. 2 = double (4 decks or fewer)
A7 v. 2 = double
A6 v. 2 = double
8 v. 6 = double down in a 2-deck game with a 5-3, but not with a 6-2
11 v. A = double down in a 2-deck game
Normal basic strategy with 9 v. 2 is to double down in 1 and 2-deck games only. With a wagering requirement, we should also double down in 4-deck games. In a 6-deck game with a wagering requirement, however, this double down would cost us an extra 21 cents on a $100 bet, so we only make the altered double down in a 4-deck game, unless we're looking for a cheap camo play in 6-deck.
Normal basic strategy with a total of 8 v. 6 is to double down in single-deck only. With a wagering requirement, we are correct to double down on 8 v. 6 in 2-deck games if our cards are 5-3, but not 6-2. With more than 2 decks, it is not correct to double down on 8 v. 6 with a wagering requirement.
Double down on 11 v. A in a 2-deck game. Normal basic strategy is to double down on 11 v. A in single-deck only, or in multi-deck if the dealer hits soft 17. In Theory of Blackjack, Griffin provided refinements to this rule, namely that if the player's 11 is a 6-5 or 7-4 (but not a 9-2 or 8-3), it is also correct to double down in 2-deck. With a wagering requirement, it is optimal to double down with 11 v. A with 6-5, 7-4, and 8-3, but 9-2 is still on the other side of borderline. With more than two decks, however, do not double down on this hand.
Best Online Blackjack Odds
Comprehensive Wagering Requirement Online Blackjack Strategy
For Any Number of Decks
STAND
Stand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | X | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H1 | H |
15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
13 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
A7 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | S2 |
DOUBLE DOWN, HARD TOTALS
Double | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | X | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D3 | D12 |
10 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H |
9 | D11 | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
8 | H | H | H | D5 | D13 | H | H | H | H | H |
DOUBLE DOWN, SOFT TOTALS
Soft Totals | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | T | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(A,9) | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
(A,8) | S | S | S | S | D5 | S | S | S | S | S |
(A,7) | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | S | S | H | H | S2 |
(A,6) | D | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,5) | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,4) | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,3) | H | H | D5 | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
(A,2) | H | H | D5 | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
SURRENDER (LATE)
Late Surrender | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | X | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
17 | ¢6 | |||||||||
16 | ¢7 | ¢ | ¢8 | |||||||
8-8 | ¢9 | |||||||||
15 | ¢10 | ¢6 | ||||||||
7-7 | ¢5 | ¢9 |
S = Stand, H = Hit, D = Double Down (if doubling not available, then hit), Ds = Double Down (if doubling not available, then stand),
¢ = Surrender
1 = Stand with 3 or More Cards
2 = Hit in Multi-Deck, or if Dealer Hits S17
3 = European No-Hole Hit
4 = S17 Multi-Deck or European No-Hole Hit
5 = Single-Deck Only
6 = With Hit Soft 17 Only
7 = Single Deck Hit
8 = Single Deck, X-6 Only
9 = With Hit Soft 17 in Multi-Deck
10 = Excluding 8,7
11 = 4 decks or fewer only
12 = Always double in H17 games. In S17 games, double in single and 2-deck games only.
13 = Double in single deck games. In 2-deck games, double on 5-3 but not 6-2. With more than 2 decks, do not double.
PAIR SPLITS
WITH DOUBLE AFTER SPLITS
Pairs | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | T | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(A,A) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y1 |
(T,T) | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
(9,9) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N |
(8,8) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y1 | Y1 |
(7,7) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y2 | N | N | N |
(6,6) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y2 | N | N | N | N |
(5,5) | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
(4,4) | N | N | Y2 | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N |
(3,3) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y2 | N | N | N |
(2,2) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
PAIR SPLITS
NO DOUBLE AFTER SPLITS
Pairs | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | T | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(A,A) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y1 |
(T,T) | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
(9,9) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
(8,8) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y1 | Y1 |
(7,7) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | |
(6,6) | Y2 | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N |
(5,5) | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
(4,4) | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
(3,3) | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
(2,2) | N | Y2 | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
INSURANCE: NO
There may be a few other violations of standard blackjack basic strategy that would bring you an extremely small extra return in particular games, based on the exact number of decks in play and the precise rule set, when you are playing to meet a wagering requirement, but they will not be worth much to players in dollars and cents.
Also, some players have questioned whether correct online blackjack basic strategy would change again in a situation where you have a win target, such as when you are playing on a sticky bonus. It turns out that the online blackjack strategy for win target situations with a wagering requirement is the same as the regular Wagering Requirement Online Blackjack Strategy. I will explain why in a separate Blackjack Forum article.
Again, the value of following a Wagering Requirement Online Blackjack Basic Strategy as opposed to a standard blackjack basic strategy where no wagering requirement is imposed is negligible. But it does exist, and smart players should know it. ♠
