Blackjack is one of the most popular of all card games, and a favorite with all types of casino players, from the most reserved to the most adventurous. In addition, blackjack is more than a mere game of chance like the slot machines. Indeed, a skillful blackjack player can use a lot of strategies to help tip the odds in his or her favor.

While no one blackjack tip, or group of tips, can completely eliminate the edge held by the house, using proper betting strategy can greatly increase your chances of coming away a winner. Listed below are some of our favorite tips for enjoying a winning day at the tables.

Ø Be sure to double-down when holding the following two card combinations:

- 9 if the dealer’s up card is either a 3, 4, 5 or 6

- 10 if the dealer’s up card is anything other than an Ace or a 10

- 11 if the dealer’s up card is anything other than an Ace

Ø Pass on the insurance the casino offers unless you are an accomplished card counter.

Ø No matter what the dealer is showing, the hand should be split if you are dealt a pair of Aces or a pair of eights.

Ø If you are dealt a pair of 10s, that hand should never be split.

Ø If the dealer is showing a 10, the player should hit a soft 17. If the player stands on a hand of 17 or less, he or she must rely on the dealer to go bust in order to come out a winner. Since you cannot bust on a soft 17 with just one hit, use the following strategy:

Ø Hit on a soft 13 through 17 if the dealer’s is showing a seven or higher

Ø When holding a hand with three or more cards, you should not hit a soft 13 through 17.

Ø Double-down when holding a two card hand with a soft 13 through 17 if the dealer is showing a 5 or a 6.

Ø Always double-down when holding a soft 17 if the dealer is showing a 3.

Ø Always double-down on a soft 15 through 17 if the dealer is showing a 4.

Ø Hit on a soft 18 if the dealer is showing a 9, a 10 or an Ace.

Ø If the dealer is showing a three, a four, a five or a six, the player should stand on a soft 18.

Ø Always stand on a hand of 19 or more.

Ø Never split a hand of fours, fives or face cards