Plan and Strategize in Blackjack
Blackjack's main goal is to beat the dealer without having a hand going over 21. A blackjack strategy is when the player is consistent with his plan game despite the groans of other players around the table and the dealer shows a poker face.
A player should always remember that he is playing for the money and by applying the basic blackjack strategy the player will get that money. It doesn't matter what are the opinion of others about his play.
Throughout the game, it's not only "HIT" or "STAND" that a player should decide about. In a blackjack strategy, he has other options to consider that may cause him a little headache but possible high payouts.
One option to think about is DOUBLING DOWN. This is an option for players who may consider doubling a bet at some point in the game but only after their two cards are dealt. Once a player decided to double down, he receives another card for the last time and he cannot hit again after choosing doubling down.
Another tough decision to make is when to do a SPLIT. Splitting gives the option of dividing one hand of cards in two. This may give the chance to win or fail twice in one game. Except from a pair of aces, any other pair of cards can be split in two hands
The bet for the two hands are equal and also lets the player to strategize both hands independently. Once the hand is split into two, the player may take many hits on each hand as he want. If there is a pair of aces on his hand, he can only get the "normal" 21.
INSURANCE is a blackjack strategy to save one's boat. If the dealer shows he got an ace, the player may decide to be "insured" if ever the dealer has a face or 10 card concealed.
In case the dealer got a face or 10 card, the player gets his insurance wager back and be paid at 2:1 odds. But, if the dealer has neither a face nor 10 card, the player loses his insurance bet.
As a player, he can have the option of doing an EARLY SURRENDER or a LATE SURRENDER. Early surrender happens when the player "surrenders" before the dealer verifies for his 21. Late Surrender happens when he "surrenders after the dealer verifies if he get a blackjack.
The proper basic blackjack strategy is still dependent on casino rules where one will be playing. So, before applying the basic blackjack strategy learned, one should know and understand first the rules governing the casino that he is planning to visit.