Basic Blackjack Odds Strategy

To increase the odds of winning, employing basic strategy can negate almost any house advantage.

Calculating odds is purely simple mathematics. In working out the basic odds of busting, the following shows hand values and percentage:

• Hand value of 20, 92 per cent
• Hand value of 17, 69 per cent
• Hand value of 16, 62 per cent
• Hand value of 12, 31 per cent

Initially, the odds of being dealt a natural 21 in a two card frequency are only 5 per cent. Hands in the value range of 17 to 20 make up 30 per cent. Decision hands in the range of 2 to 16, 39 per cent and no bust 27 per cent.

The basic strategy techniques in blackjack can allow a player better odds of beating the house.

By following the cards closely, the player can maximize his return by calculating the chances of the dealer going bust as long as he bears in mind his own hand value.

If, for example, a dealer shows a card of 5 or 6, the player will have his highest advantage as there is a 42 per cent chance of the dealer going bust. The next cards dealt are likely to be higher.

The odds however, completely diminish for the player when the dealer shows a card of 9 or a 10 point face card.

Online game rules vary from site to site, and should be read thoroughly. Such variances can greatly change the odds for players.