The Math Behind Blackjack

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While the much-loved casino game of Blackjack may sometimes involve random chance, something much more meticulous is at play in the background – mathematics.

Knowing just a little more than basic arithmetic can give your Blackjack gameplay the boost it needs to help you become a more competitive player. Most of the math behind Blackjack relates to problems you likely already know, and if not – the patterns are simple and easy to pick up.

Either way, brushing up on these numerical structures can only help you unlock the path to bigger moves and better strategies.

Adding Card Values and Numbers

The ability to count cards (based on number or value) has always been a huge part of playing Blackjack tactfully. The cards themselves each represent a certain value, and you need to be able to decipher those values quickly and easily if you are to remain in the game.

In Blackjack, all cards are taken at face value (i.e. the number 7 is valued at 7) except for the face cards such as Jack, Queen or King which are all valued at 10.

Because the objective of https://blackjackcanada.net/real-money/ Blackjack is to have a hand equivalent to 21 and no higher, knowing which cards add up to what number can save you from making poor strategic choices.

Odds and Probability

The aspect of estimating probability becomes especially difficult as the probability of all outcomes fluctuates with each progressive move.

In Blackjack, probability can be calculated by dividing the number of potentially winning outcomes by the number of all possible outcomes.

Let’s say you want to calculate the odds of you picking up an Ace (arguably the most desirable card in the deck). A single 52-card deck contains just one Ace for every suit, of which there are 4.

That would mean the odds of you picking up an Ace are 4/52. Put into a percentage: 4/52 = 0.0769 * 100 = 7.69%.

Splitting and Doubling

When it comes to your turn at the Blackjack table, you will have to choose between a distinct set of active or non-active options, two of which are to “Split” or “Double Down”.

To Split means to separate your hand into two individual hands, while the bet remains the same for each hand (i.e. if you bet $500, your bet now becomes $1000 because each hand must be worth the same).

To Double Down means to double the amount of your bet, receive an extra card, and Stand (allow the dealer to play his hand). Similarly to Splitting, Doubling Down involves an understanding of basic monetary adding.

Summary

That wasn’t so hard, was it? Furthering your math understanding doesn’t have to be complicated, and can only push you further as a Blackjack player and strategist.

Playing online at registered casinos is the perfect place to practise your newfound numerical knowledge.