You’ve heard a lot about blackjack, but do you really know how to play it? If you want to win at this casino game, you should learn the basics. This article explains basic strategy, Side bets, the Dealer’s up-card, splitting aces, and how to win a blackjack game. There are many other great tips and tricks for playing the game that you can use to become a blackjack master. Here are some of my favorite tips. Basic strategy Before deciding to sit down with a deck of cards and start playing, it is important to master the basics of blackjack strategy. Many basic blackjack strategy charts are available online or in print format. These charts show which bets to place based on the up card of the dealer, a player’s hand, and the dealer’s hole card. Blackjack players should use a basic strategy chart when they play, because a deviation from the strategy chart will cost them money in the long run. Side bets In blackjack, there are several side bets you can make. Some of the most popular types are insurance, 21+3, and perfect pairs. You can use this guide to decide whether these side bets are right for you. Some side bets are more profitable than others, so make sure to keep a close eye on your bankroll before placing your side bets. You can stick with one type of side bet or try them all, depending on your preferences. Dealer’s up-card When the dealer is dealt an Ace as their up-card, players can place a side wager called “insurance,” which is paid at two to one if the dealer also has a ten. However, players who use basic strategy should never play insurance or even money. Only those who are expert card counters should choose these wagers. Here are some tips to maximize your winnings in blackjack. Here is how to make the most of your dealer’s up-card. Splitting aces When you have an Ace and the dealer has a ten, it’s almost always a good idea to split it. When a dealer has a ten, it increases the odds of the dealer busting your hand. If you have a nine, you can split the ace. Then, you can use the nine to increase your odds of making 21. But, you need to be careful. In this case, you might end up busting, but if you don’t, you can always split the aces. Insurance bets Insurance bets on blackjack can be profitable, but they can also put you at a disadvantage. Even if you win the hand outright, you must beat the dealer’s blackjack to win the insurance bet. The odds of winning an insurance bet are one in three, so you stand to lose if the dealer does not have a blackjack. Before you decide whether you should place an insurance bet, learn the blackjack rules and odds. Getting a soft 17 in blackjack When the dealer has a soft 17, you can increase the odds of the dealer busting by hitting a soft 17. However, it is important to note that hitting a “soft” 17 is not as advantageous for you as it is for the casino. It increases the house edge by 0.22%. In addition, hitting a “soft” 17 will increase the dealer’s chances of busting because he will have less cards than you. To make things easier for you, we have listed below some of the best strategies for hitting a soft 17 in blackjack.