Feel-Based Blackjack Strategy
Any time you sit down at a blackjack table, you have the option of playing any way you want. Some will stick to playing by the book. Others will count cards, a risky business that can lead to big profits. Some will play based upon feel. If you want advice on how to employ a feel-based blackjack strategy, here are a few pieces that will help you succeed. Feel-based blackjack must be rooted in math. It should take into account many things that you see at the table, though.
An approach that accounts for the math
If you want to have success, then you have to employ at least a little bit of basic strategy. It’s always a good idea not to hit your potentially bustable hands when the dealer is showing a four, five, or six. It’s also a good idea to take your hits when the dealer is showing a face card. By doing this, you give yourself a great chance to win, and you set up a situation where your feel will come in handy.
When to employ feel
Many blackjack players like to use their gut when they make decisions. This is perfectly fine on those close calls at the table. For instance, what should you do when you have a 16 against a dealer’s seven? This is one of those situations where you have to go with your feel. Do you think the dealer is going to bust? If so, stand on your 16 to give yourself a chance. What about when you have an 11 against the dealer’s 10? Should you spend your money doubling down? This is another time when you have to use your feel to decide on the right decision. The math on these choices reflects a razor thin odds difference between one choice and the other. It can pay to have some fun with your gut.
The one time not to use feel
While you’re playing feel-based blackjack, there’s one situation that you should stay away from. Some people like to buy insurance when the dealer is showing an ace. This is a bet that’s always bad for the player, as it has horrible odds overall. Even though some players claim to play this one by feel, you’ll be giving up too much money by adding insurance as a common bet in your arsenal. Make a promise to avoid this one, and you’ll win more over the long run.