Blackjack Card Counting Strategy & Tips

In the world of blackjack, there are card-counting strategies that go beyond the fundamental principles. These advanced techniques can tip the odds further in your favor, provided you apply them wisely.

1.Ace’s Strategy:

• 1. A8, A9 (Ace Eight, Ace Nine): When you’re blessed with a pair of Aces totaling 18 or 19, it’s a no-brainer – stand pat on your hand, irrespective of the dealer’s face-up card. This is a potent hand that’s in striking distance of the ultimate blackjack total of 21. By standing in this scenario, you safeguard your powerful hand, minimizing the risk of diminishing your strong position.
• 2. A7 (Ace Seven): Now, when you’re dealt an Ace paired with a 7, your optimal action is contingent on the dealer’s face-up card. If the dealer reveals an Ace or a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, King), it’s generally best to hit. This move is designed to enhance your initial total. 
• 3. A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 (Ace Deuce, Ace Trey, Ace Four, Ace Five, Ace Six): If you find yourself holding an Ace along with any of the cards from 2 through 6, the general strategy is to hit. The rationale behind this approach is to enhance your hand and exploit the potential for achieving a stronger total. 

2.Split Strategy:

Now, let’s delve into the strategies for splitting pairs in blackjack. Splitting pairs can be a game-changer in your pursuit of victory.

• A, A (Aces): When you’re dealt a pair of Aces, it’s imperative to split them. Splitting Aces is a fundamental strategy because it offers a unique opportunity to create two strong starting hands, each with the potential to reach a total of 21. This action significantly boosts your chances of winning. 
• 10 (Tens):* In the case of being dealt a pair of 10s, totaling 20 points, it’s highly advisable not to split. Keeping these two cards together as a total of 20 already represents an exceptionally strong hand in blackjack. 
• 9, 9 (Nines): When you’re holding a pair of 9s and the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace or an 8, it’s recommended not to split. This advice stems from the understanding that the dealer’s Ace implies a substantial likelihood of the dealer achieving a total of 21, a challenging hand to beat. 
•  8, 8 (Eights): Splitting a pair of eights is typically a wise decision. This is because having a pair of eights results in a relatively weak hand with a total of 16 points, which is generally not strong enough to compete against most dealer hands. By choosing to split, you open the door to improving your position. 
• 7, 7 (Sevens): If you’re dealt a pair of sevens, it’s recommended to split when the dealer’s face-up card has a value between 3 and 8. This strategy takes advantage of the potential to enhance your position. 
• 6, 6 (Sixes): Splitting your pair of sixes is advisable when the dealer’s face-up card falls between 3 and 7. This strategy aims to capitalize on the potential weakness of the dealer’s starting hand. However, if the dealer’s card is an 8 or higher, it’s better to keep your pair of sixes together. 
• 5, 5 (Fives): For a pair of fives, it’s generally recommended to keep them together. Splitting them does not provide a significant advantage since you already have a total of 10 points, which represents a strong starting hand.
• 4, 4 (Fours): Splitting your pair of fours is a suitable strategy when the dealer’s face-up card is a 6 or 7. This decision is based on the principle that these dealer cards are relatively weak. However, if the dealer reveals any other card, it’s better to keep your fours together to maintain a more solid starting position.
• 3, 3 (Threes): When you have a pair of threes, it’s advisable to split them if the dealer’s face-up card falls between 3 and 8. Splitting in this scenario aims to take advantage of the potential weakness in the dealer’s hand.
• 2, 2 (Twos): Similar to a pair of fives, it’s generally more favorable to keep your twos together. Splitting twos does not offer a significant advantage because you already have a total of 4 points. Splitting in this scenario may weaken your overall position, so maintaining the twos as a single hand is typically the better choice.