If it’s 1.5 or less, that’s considered good deck penetration. Before you pull the trigger, count the number of decks the dealer cuts off before shuffling. However, given the right conditions, card counting is possible if you’re playing a live dealer game dealt from a shoe. We’ve already established that you can’t count cards on virtual blackjack games. Basic strategy charts are available online and in casino gift shops. Without basic strategy, the house has a 1.5% to 2% edge. The only way to gain the advantage over the house is to count cards, but consulting basic strategy charts drives the house edge down to 0.05%. Basic Strategyīasic strategy charts teach players the right moves to make based on their hands and the dealer’s up card.

Finally, when available, surrender allows players to forfeit their worst hands in exchange for half their bets back. In this case, the dealer separates the cards into two new hands, then deals each a second card. A player with two cards of equal value can also make a new bet to split the hand. If taking one more card puts him at an advantage, a player should place a new bet next to his original and double down. When he’s satisfied with his hand, a player can decline additional cards and stand. He can hit and receive another card as many times as he likes without exceeding 21. The player decides whether to hit or stand based on his cards and the dealer’s up card. The dealer deals himself one card facing down and another card facing up. A hand of blackjack begins when a player makes his wager and is dealt two cards, face up except in single and double-deck.

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