Screwing up Blackjack

I could give a primer on counting cards, or even simple, basic strategy. But I think the best place to start with a look into blackjack is to look at what traps to avoid:

1. Not splitting 88 vs. 10. Two hands starting with 8 is substantially better than facing off against the dealer’s 10 with a weak as hell 16. Statistically, both 8’s will lose money in the long run (each hand, that is), but the losses brought on by splitting and playing two hands are less than by sticking with the 16. Yeah, it can be hard to fork over another $25 on th etable to split the cards but if you don’t have the guts to make this play then you need to stop playing blackjack. Now.
2. Not hitting 12 vs. 2. Another huge mistake. Yeah, everytime you search your memory and you were in this position you pulled a face card. At least, that’s how you remember it. Your odds of not busting on the hit are 9 in 13. About 72%. When’s the last time you had 72% in your favor? Exactly. HIT. Additionally, the dealer is much more vulnerable with a 4, 5, or 6 than with a 2. Again. HIT.
3. Not hitting 16 vs. 7. Many’s the time I’ve seen a man hit his 16 versus a dealer’s 10 but stand pat when he has a 16 vs. the dealer’s 7. In Sklansky Talks Blackjack he shows that standing 16 vs. 10 means you’ll lose 54 cents for every dollar you play in this situation. If you hit you’ll move to losing 52 cents (still poor, but a move in your favor is a move in your favor!!). Standing on a 16 vs. a dealer’s 7 will lose you 48 cents per dollar; hitting in that position means you’ll lose 40 cents per dollar. No matter how you slice it that’s a shift in odds of twenty percent in your favor. And you still want to stand firm? Leave the table.
4. Not doubling on 11 vs. 10. The dealer’s odds of having the 20 are less than you getting 20 or 21. Straight hitting, not doubling, means you win 56% of the time in this situation. A double down means you win 54% of the time (because of the rare times you get shorted from only getting one card). A ha! you say. A drop in odds! Yeah, well, remember you’re doubling here. Would you rather win $20 56% of the time, or $40 54% of the time?
5. Not hitting A7 vs. 9. Standing means you win 40% of the hands. Hitting means you win 45% of the hands. Ahem. The soft 18 means flexibilty. Take advantage of it!
6. Even Money Propositions. Don’t take even money on your blackjack when the dealer shows an ace. Period.

I don’ t mean to sound harsh….oh wait. Yes, yes I do mean to sound harsh. Don’t make these mistakes at the blackjack table. It’s your money, use it wisely!