FACTS AND MYTHS OF BLACKJACK MATH

Having a basic working knowledge of blackjack math can be a help as opposed to a hindrance for most blackjack players. Blackjack uses a regular deck of 52 cards.

Within that, there will be 13 different ranks of cards, as well as four of each rank. As such, the base game involves a single deck will only have 13 cards that really matter.

Rather than leave things to chance when you play at the table, you can make more informed and smarter decisions when using math to work out when high cards might pop up while playing.

There may be a certain number of cards or possible combinations in a deck that may produce more favorable cases, especially when trying to move from 17 to 21. So, for example, to double on an 11 makes sense in the long run as you won’t go bust.

If you can calculate the level of soft hands per deck, you will have a clearer idea of the house advantage, and be more confident as you attempt to beat the dealer.

HOW TO CALCULATE AND MANAGE YOUR BANKROLL?

This is where standard deviation comes in handy while playing blackjack at casinos in say Las Vegas. At its basic level, standard deviation refers to how far an outcome will move from or deviate away from the expected average.

While this might apply to more volatile games like poker, players betting on blackjack will want to know how much money they can afford to stake or bankroll they can bring to a session. As such, they will need to establish a budget for each game.

There is a wide range of variations in blackjack, and you can use programs such as CVCX to help you with counting cards, which will take into account standard deviation, so you can use this to establish how much you should bet on a game.

More specifically, there are certain equations you can use to determine deviation within one deck or several decks. We have used a calculation to explain how variation works:

If the variance of one hand is v, and the covariance is c, and the number of possible hands played at once is n, then the total variance is nxv + nx(n-1)xc. We also have a table to highlight the probability of winning with various hands based on variance.

MATHEMATICS AND DOUBLE DOWN

Double down is one of the most common strategies that players try to use to their advantage when they engage in a game of blackjack.

Here, bettors will double their original bet before they pick up one more card, but it is worth noting that if the dealer gives you a low card, then you won’t be able to hit again, which could hamper your chances of winning.

Also, rules generally vary for doubling down depending on which casino you wish to play at, but there are times when doubling down is not advised, such as if a dealer is holding an ace.

But when you have a hard 11 or 10, it can be more equitable for your bankroll to double down with your remaining cards.

CARD COUNTING AS A COMMON PRACTICE

Card counting is a key element of blackjack, and to simplify things, we have broken down the process into four steps that will please the keen card counters.

Step One – Assign a value to every card. As each card is dealt by the dealer, then you will either add 1, subtract 1, or do nothing depending on the card’s value.

Step Two – Keep a running total. Upon the dealing of the next card, you will add or subtract from what is in the shoe and update your records for each play.

Step Three – Calculate a true count. Once you have information on the odds of a card being drawn from multiple decks, you can use this to your advantage based on the following calculation — True Count = Remaining count/Decks remaining.

So, in this case, if the running count is 12 and we have four decks remaining, then the true count is 3 (12/4).

Step Four – Change your bet as the true count rises and falls. Those players who are more adept will know when the house edge swings their way, and as such, you should be able to raise a bet as and when the play changes.

USE MATHEMATICS AND CREATE A BASIC STRATEGY TO WIN

When it comes to blackjack, there are several ways where you can use math to your advantage to get the upper over other players at the table.

One such way is through splitting aces. Ideally, a six through to a nine will give you a soft 17 or better, and these are more useful hands during the course of a game. By splitting an ace properly, the probability of winning significant chunks of cash when you bet rises too.

WHAT IS INSURANCE MATHEMATICS IN BLACKJACK?

In more simple terms, the blackjack insurance bet implies betting on the possibility that the dealer will have a blackjack.

Of course, you will need to understand the rules to make the most of it before you move on to more advanced concepts to work out expected values amongst other things.

MATHEMATICS OR JUST LUCK

Is there just luck involved? We have provided a few truths and myths about using blackjack math.

FACTS ABOUT MATHEMATICS IN BLACKJACK

Odds are based on specific cards – When it boils down to it, the odds of grabbing a win in blackjack will boil down to 13 cards in the base game. When you can distinguish between a high card and low ones, you can make smarter decisions.

It helps your bankroll – Before you place a bet, you need to establish a budget and simple math will help you to see where you stand before a game starts to roll.

MYTHS ABOUT BLACKJACK MATHEMATICS

But there are also a few myths about mathematics in the game that need to be debunked.

Players confused about mathematical advantage – Some players simply assume a casino has a house edge for all games, and that players can only triumph by luck. However, if you can learn how to card count, this will stand you in much better stead moving forward.

You need to have a photographic memory – Contrary to popular belief, card counting doesn’t involve memorising every card. You just need to have faith in your techniques to win.

WHAT ONLINE CASINO GAME CAN I USE MATHEMATICS IN?

Aside from blackjack, players can also apply math for games, such as baccarat.

CONCLUSION

While there are a few myths that have been expounded about math in blackjack, if you have some grasp of the value of the cards in the deck, you will be able to profit over the long term.

We have covered a lot of ground in this guide, but if you feel inspired, then head over to our casino lobby and put your newfound knowledge to use. Good luck!