Amongst the many online casino games, there are reasons to believe that blackjack is one of the most popular. Along with Crazy Eights it perhaps is the main reason why millions of gamblers and gaming enthusiasts flock to the various online and brick and mortar gambling outlets.
It is a simple game, and the rules are not very difficult to understand. It is one of the few games where the players do not compete against one another but compete against the dealer for each hand.
However, when it comes to playing the game successfully, there is a need to understand something more about Wizard of Odds blackjack, and that is what we will be learning about the next few lines.
Wizard of Odds: Blackjack
Before getting to know more about Wizard of Odds blackjack strategy, it would be better to have a basic understanding of the rules pertaining to blackjack. Blackjack can be played either with either a single pack or cards or multiple packs of cards. There are many blackjack tables where around eight stacks of cards are used.
The game is all about the players trying to reach 21 points without crossing it or overshooting it. The values for the cards vary and cards starting from 2 to 10 have the same points as their face value. The picture cards, i.e. A, Jack, Queen, and King are referred to as aces, and their points could vary from 1 to 11.
The Importance of Wizard of Odds
If the players overshoot 21 points, then the hand belongs to the dealer, and, therefore, the players must find out various ways by which this can be done. It is about keeping in mind the cards that are dealt and finding out ways and means by which the cards can be counted.
When there are seven or eight stacks of 52 cards being dealt, counting could become a major problem. In such situations, it might be therefore necessary to make use of other help and aids in the form of Wizard of Odds blackjack trainer and other such ways and means. We will what these wizards of odds are all about and how do they work on the ground.
Variations to Blackjack Rules
There is no denying the fact that variations to rules will certainly have a negative impact on the expected returns of the players.
For example, it has been found that opting for Blackjack pay 2 to 1 could impact the outcome of the game and the variation percentage could be as high as 2.25% which is quite significant when a player is mentally ready to play several hands with around eight players.
Hence, before getting into the blackjack table, there is a need to understand the subtle changes to the rules. Though they might look insignificant, there is every possibility that it could lead to making the difference between winning and losing.
How to Handle Such Changes?
There is a need to understand the theory or probabilities to some extent if you are keen on handling such changes to rules and style of playing.
The best way to learn more about it would be to make use of the time-tested Wizard of Odds blackjack chart. This will certainly help you to get a decent idea as to how the changes in rules will impact the winning and losing chances.
The chart might look a bit confusing in the beginning but if you are ready to put some time and effort in understanding it, over a period of time you will be able to understand how it actually works. However, this would depend on where the dealer stands in terms of the finite deck or an infinite deck.
Handling of Splits Will Also Impact
The way the players decide to handle splits will also impact the outcomes of the game. The number of hands to be played by the participants will also have an impact. However, one simple strategy should always be kept in mind. Before getting into the playing arena, it would be ideal to have a look at the table.
The one which offers the greatest returns is perhaps the best play. What the players stand to gain by standing and hitting should also be understood to get the best possible returns.
How to Use Math to Beat Odds?
There is also something known as Wizard of Odds blackjack calculator which also should be understood properly. The calculator is quite complex, and it is quite likely that new players will be able to understand much about this calculator.
However, on a closer look and by regular practice things will become much clearer. It is all about understanding the shoe composition vis-à-vis the number of decks that are in play.
Then, there is a need to know more about other important points like hold card, soft 17 (where the dealer hits or stands), drawing to split aces, doubling after split and surrender. There are other attributes too which must be understood and only then would it be possible to move forward and master and understand the way in which odds work.
The Crux Lies In Mastering Counting
Though there could be doubts about the legality and validity of counting, there is no doubt that it is perfectly legal though the efficacy and benefit of the same are till shrouded in doubts and mystery.
There are some classic set of players who are masters when it comes to card counting. Their main objective is to try and find out ways and means by which they can reduce the advantage of the dealers.
They try and keep a tab of all the high and low-value cards which are visible to the player. Mastering this - is an important part of Wizard of Odds.
There are reasons to believe, that to bet more with lesser risk. It also helps in minimizing losses whenever the count is unfavorable. It could also play a big role in making mid-course corrections to playing decisions based on the composition of the cards which have still not been dealt.
