In black jack, equity is a term that refers to the amount of value you can get from your cards at the blackjack table. By following a chart on optimal blackjack play precisely, you will be guaranteed positive equity. While the house always has a slight edge with the fact that the dealer is only showing one card, you can maximize your winnings with the use of an optimal blackjack strategy chart.

If you take any instance from the chart and play it out through a large sample (let’s say ten thousand times), you will statistically see that your end gets better results than that the dealer gets. By using this strategy, you can maximize your winnings (doubling down or splitting pairs when it is statistically accurate), and minimize your losses (surrendering when necessary).

Playing Pairs

This is a part of blackjack online that usually does not get enough attention when people are learning the game. Pairs are definitely good to get but they need to be played properly. You are going to be throwing in an extra bet (same as the original one) so you do not want to throw in double your wager with a pair of twos when your opponent is showing an ace!

Sadly, you have to play your pairs though. Even with your dealer showing an ace, you still have to stick through it. The odds are still partially on your side as the dealer likely only has a soft hand and not an extremely strong hand such as a blackjack. Follow the chart exactly as it instructs for pairs, as they can be a disastrous situation when played incorrectly. Sometimes splitting them is not the best choice, so also keep that in mind.

Playing After a Hit

Once you get an extra card added to your hand, things change a lot! If you have not made twenty-one, you still have to play. Whether you decide to hit or stand is completely up to you, but you do not have to throw away strategic plays. You can still use the chart at this point. All you have to do is take your new number and locate it on the chart, playing it accordingly. Blackjack players sometimes have the misconception that they should stand if they’ve hit to twelve when the chart on optimal blackjack play dictates a hit gives the best equity in the specific situation. By sticking to the plan regardless of how many cards it takes to get you there, a blackjack player stands a stronger chance of playing profitably and logically at the blackjack table.