Blackjack may look like a simple game and one that has some very basic rules, but every advanced player or enthusiast of the casino game knows maths has a huge influence on it and the strategies that should be implemented.

The game is based on probabilities, much like many other casino classics that can be enjoyed. A greater understanding of the numbers behind the cards can have a hugely positive impact on each session, and we’re not talking about “counting cards”, either.

What are the probabilities that need to be known in Blackjack?

While it’s possible to play numerous variants of the game that utilize different deck sizes, to keep the maths as simple as possible, let’s examine the probabilities available when using a singular standard 52-card playing deck.

A deck will consist of four Aces (which are required to make a Blackjack), while a further 16 cards are worth 10 (four 10s and four of each royal face card). This means that 20 out of the 52 are worth 10 or more. Immediately, you should note that almost one-third of the deck is worth 10 or more. Of the remaining 32 cards available, these vary in value between 2 and 9.

If you want to make a Blackjack, an Ace card is required, along with a card of a value of 10 or greater. This means the probability of this happening (with all the mathematical equations and sequences having been made) is just 4.8%. This figure will always remain the same, regardless of the type of Blackjack variant being played, as there will only ever be four Ace cards for each deck being used, as well as 48 non-Ace cards.

Alternatively, you might want to consider what the chances of going past 21 are, as this is just as vital when trying to be successful. Say you are playing Classic Blackjack Gold Series at the 32Red phone casino due to its optimized performance for mobile users, you will want to ensure you know when the best time to stand is and when it might be worth trying your luck to get as close to 21 as possible.

If you hold a value of 12, you will have a 31% probability of going bust. This is because there are four cards of the 13 possible that can take you over the edge (the cards worth 10). Everything else will provide a score of 21 or lower. Unsurprisingly, the greater the value of the hand being held, the higher the chance there is of going bust. For instance, a hand value of 13 immediately pushes the probability of going over to 39%, whereas 14 takes it to over 50% (56%).

This is the reason why many blackjack variants will see the dealer stand on 17, as the probability of going over when holding this value is 69%. This is also why the dealer will always go last once the players have played, as it will not matter if they were to bust or fall short if the player goes over 21.

What is the basic strategy that can be used when understanding the maths in blackjack?

To begin with, blackjack is a game of luck. Each and every card that a player is dealt to play with, as well as each card that the dealer is dealt, are random factors and there is nothing that a player can do to control this directly. Nevertheless, they can use some elementary knowledge when the mathematics behind the cards is understood.

Other than the practice of card counting, which demands high-level skills and has its risks as well, punters can apply basic blackjack strategy charts that assist them in their gaming sessions. They will have all the required information from these graphs and they will get the best advice concerning the hand they have.

They consider the numbers and assess the odds of certain cards being dealt, which in turn allows for an educated decision. They approach every situation on a statistical note, and though there are cases when the round may not result in the desired outcome, they make their judgments based on what might occur.

The perfect play strategy of the game of blackjack is to reduce the potential losses that would be suffered. Knowing the probabilities and applying basic strategies such as charts can help you to realize these goals.