Blackjack is hands down the most popular casino game. Depending on the rules of the game players can enjoy a low house edge of between 2% to 7%.

By learning a card-counting strategy savvy players can use the game to their advantage. The rules of blackjack differs from casino to casino and from table to table. While most players will simply plop down at the table, seasoned players will search for the game with the best rules. Does the disparity of the game differ from one game to another? Yes. The difference between the best and worst games are as follow:

Rule Barona Rio Decks 1 1 Blackjack Pays 3-1 1-1 Dealer soft 17 Hits Hits Double any first two cards Yes Yes Double after split Yes No late surrender is allowed Yes No House Edge 0.2% 2.5 *Table illustration Courtesy of Michael Shackleford     Blackjack Is For Smart …

As any veteran of the game will attest, to be a successful blackjack player requires a keen understanding of the odds as well as an expert familiarity with the strategy associated with each unique circumstance during the flow of a hand.

For many players the aim of the game is trying to get closer to 21 without going bust.  As a result novice players are often unprepared for its rigors and windup turning a relatively favourable game into a windfall for the house.

To complicate this further casinos both land-based and online often have subtle variations in the rules that affect the overall potential return.

Basic Blackjack Tips and Strategy

Four decks are used Dealer must hit a soft 17. Doubling (double down) is allowed when a player holds a 9,10, or 11 only. Players must double down after splitting their hand.

Late surrender is allowed.

Avoid insurance. No matter what you’re …