How to play the best pairs in Blackjack

The new chart again shows all 34 starting hand combinations in Blackjack. However, instead of the probability of receiving certain cards, the advantage of the player in each such hand is shown here. Simply put - the average loss or win for each individual combination.

The best hand in the game is Blackjack. In the event of its loss, the advantage over the dealer is about 150%. Our advantage could indeed reach 150%, but we should take into account the fact that the dealer also periodically receives a similar hand, which ultimately leads to a draw.

This is followed by a combination of 20 points, which can form two tens, or an ace and nine. After that comes a set of 19 and 11 points. Dropping a pair of cards, except for aces and tens, on average, is not a very good way to start the game. At the same time, their effectiveness is largely determined by the dealer's open card. The most unfavourable situation for the player will be a set of 12 - 16 points.

It is worth noting that a loss of 17 points gives a very small advantage, comparable to 12 points. Many players feel very confident when receiving a combination of 17. However, in reality, a hand with 17 points wins only 29% of hands, and a draw comes out 13% of the time. "Soft" hands (ace + 2 cards) also fall into the category of bad combinations, even though the player has two full chances to improve his position.

Advantage in Single-Deck Blackjack

Now we will try to compare the advantage of hands in 1-deck and 6-deck blackjack. The column going up shows the advantage of the player in a single-deck game, and the column down shows that the combination has an advantage in a 6-deck game.

For example, you got a pair of aces. Aces are more valuable in single-deck blackjack. So it turns out, since the dealer will have only 2 aces left to hit the BlackJack combination. Also, the dealer's chances of getting a soft hand are significantly reduced, which increases the likelihood of busting him. Most hands with an ace actually have the best odds in a one-deck game, but pairs in such a blackjack give a weak advantage. This situation occurs for the following reasons:

In the 1-deck variant, resplits (split pairs) happen very rarely.

In 1-deck blackjack, there is almost no opportunity for a player to double down after a split.