Every year (almost) I have spent New Year’s eve at a casino playing  blackjack or poker.

This year is no different. [Hello, Atlantic City.]

I’ve spent the better of this past year blogging about tournaments and online sites… but I’d like to close the year by giving you a quick strategy summary.

So that if you, like me…plan to play tonight…hell, just print this posting out. And have fun. And win some money.

Look, blackjack is a game of skill much more than one of luck and by knowing what to do the good blackjack player can enjoy a winning day at the casino.

Of course there is no one blackjack tip, or set of tips, that can ensure the player that every hand will be a winner, or that you will come away with more money than you left with. Even so, we hope these blackjack tips will help you enjoy a winning day at the blackjack table.

Here are some widely accepted quick tips:

Double-down when holding a two card combination totaling:  9 if the dealer is showing a 3, 4, 5 or 6 – 10 if the dealer is showing anything but than an Ace or 10 – 11 if the dealer is showing anything other than an Ace.

Unless you are certain of your ability to count cards, do not take insurance.

Regardless of what the dealer is showing, it is always a good idea to split a hand of Aces or 8s.

The player should never split a hand of two 10 value cards.

The player should hit a soft 17 when the dealer’s up card is a 10. If the player stands on 17 or less, they will have to rely on the dealer going bust to win the hand.

Hit on a soft 13 through 17 if the dealer is showing a 7 or higher.

When holding a hand containing three or more cards do not hit a soft 13 through 17.

The player should double down when holding a two card hand totaling a soft 13 through 17 if the dealer is showing a 5 or a 6.

The player should double down on a soft 17 if the dealer is showing a 3.

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