Basic Blackjack Strategy: Test #2

It's finally June! So let's test your skills with a follow up to Test #1.

If you want to gain Comp Points in the 888 Casino Race and take down $1,500 for 1st place, than you better know your Blackjack. It's one of the best games to gain Comp Points fast so long as you know what moves to make and have a solid understanding of basic Blackjack strategy. As mentioned before, you must not only understand what to do, but more importantly why you're doing it in order to truly tip the odds.

Do you have the foundation you need to make the big bucks and take down first place at 888 Casino? Let's find out...

TEST #2:

You are dealt a 9 and a 7. The dealer has 7.

A. Hit.
B. Stand.
C. Hit if the dealer has been hot, stand if the dealer has been busting a lot.

What should you do?

ANSWER:
Many players think this is a close call, deciding merely by feel. Some players think "the dealer has been running cold - I should stand and give the dealer a chance to bust". This isn't good strategy. You're not playing the odds here and its incorrect to think in this fashion.

The odds should dictate your play, not 'feel'. And what do the odds say? The dealer will only bust 26 percent of the time when showing a 7. Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. Hit

In fact, you should hit any hard 16 against a dealer's 7. It's actually more important to hit against a dealer's 7 than when he's showing a 10. That's because, on the occasions you draw a low card, you have a greater chance of beating a dealer hand that doesn't bust than when the dealer starts with 10. Card counters know there are some common situations when it pays to stand on 16 vs. 10. You should never stand with 16 or less when the dealer has a 7.

Ed note: Truly tip the odds in your favor with a 100% to $200 bonus for all new players at 888 Casino!

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