Blackjack Hands: Best, Worst and What to Do

Blackjack is a thrilling card game enjoyed by many players in online casinos across Rwanda. The objective is to beat the dealer by achieving a hand total of 21 or a total closer to 21 than the dealer's, without exceeding 21. Knowing which hands to play can significantly impact your success. This article offers a comprehensive guide to the best and worst blackjack hands, complete with strategies, probabilities, and charts, to empower Rwandan players to make smarter decisions at the virtual tables.

Understanding Blackjack Hands

A blackjack hand is formed by two or more cards, each carrying a specific point value. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are valued at 10 points, and all other cards are worth their printed face value. The ultimate hand is a natural blackjack, achieved with an ace and any ten-point card, summing up to exactly 21 points.

The variety of possible blackjack hands is influenced by the number of decks used. For instance, with a single deck, there are 1,326 distinct two-card hand combinations. When using six decks, this number expands to over 4 million possible combinations.

The Strongest Blackjack Hands for Rwandan Players

The most advantageous blackjack hands are those with a high probability of reaching 21 or a total very close to it, thereby increasing a player's chances against the dealer. The pinnacle hand is a natural blackjack, an ace paired with a ten-point card, totaling 21. This hand typically offers a superior payout of 3:2.

Other powerful hands include pairs of aces or eights. These can be split into two separate hands, significantly boosting the odds of achieving 21 or a higher winning total. A soft 18, composed of an ace and a seven, is also a favorable hand that allows for hitting without the immediate risk of busting.

The Riskiest Blackjack Hands to Avoid

Conversely, the least desirable blackjack hands are those with a high likelihood of exceeding 21, commonly known as "busting." The most precarious hand is a hard 16, typically formed by a ten-point card and a six. Hitting this hand carries a substantial risk of busting, making it a challenging situation for any player.

Other weak blackjack hands include a hard 12 or 13, which should be hit if the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher. A hard 15 or 16 should also be hit if the dealer's upcard is a 7 or higher.

What Percentage of Hands do Rwandan Players Win in Blackjack?

The percentage of hands a player can win in blackjack depends on various factors, including the player's skill level, the casino's rules, and the number of decks used. On average, a skilled player in Rwanda can win around 48-49% of hands played.

Blackjack Hand Strategies for Rwandan Players

The best blackjack strategy to win at online casinos involves following a set of rules that players can use to make strategic decisions during the game. The basic blackjack strategy can help players maximize their chances of winning by advising them when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand and the dealer's up card.

Hard hands

For hard hands, players should hit if their hand value is 8 or less, while they should double down if their hand value is 9-11, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is 12-16, players should hit if the dealer's up card is 7 or higher; otherwise, they should stand. If their hand value is 17 or higher, players should always stand.

Soft hands

For soft hands, players should double down if their hand value is Ace-2 through Ace-7, depending on the dealer's up card. If their hand value is Ace-8 or Ace-9, players should always stand.

Pairs

For pairs, players should always split Aces and 8s, while never splitting 5s and 10s. Other pairs should be split based on the dealer's up card, with certain pairs being split only if the dealer's up card is within a specific range.

Surrender

Finally, players may surrender their hand in certain situations, forfeiting half of their bet but ending the hand. Surrender is advised in certain scenarios, such as when the player's hand value is 15-17 and the dealer's up card is high.

Playing Multiple Hands in Blackjack for Rwandan Players

Online casinos offer players the opportunity to play multiple hands of blackjack simultaneously, increasing the number of hands played per hour. Rwandan players should be cautious when playing multiple hands, as it can increase their chances of losing. It is recommended that players stick to playing one or two hands at a time to maximize their chances of winning.

Conclusion: Mastering Blackjack Hands for Rwandan Gamblers

Knowing the best and worst blackjack hands and when to hit, stand, split, or double down is essential for any player looking to increase their chances of winning. While luck plays a significant role in the game of blackjack, implementing the strategies outlined in this article can help Rwandan players make more informed decisions at the tables.

Remember that playing blackjack, like any form of gambling, carries a risk, and players should never bet more than they can afford to lose. Online casinos provide players with a safe and convenient way to play blackjack, but it is essential to choose a good online casino with fair rules and regulations. Following the strategies outlined in this article and playing responsibly, players will be able to enjoy the excitement and thrill of blackjack while minimizing their losses.