**Disclaimer: We typically play six to eight card deck Blackjack. This will be completely different than someone who is playing one or two decks. If you are going to play a single or double deck, please make sure you are checking out Wizard of Odds or another reputable website before you play at the casino.
Playing "Basic Strategy" is one way to up your odds of winning during blackjack. The strategy is based on percentages. It takes emotions out of betting. We often laugh because some people tell us that we are doing the wrong thing when we always are playing basic strategy. Basic strategy is like the Bible of blackjack. If you are new to Blackjack, please do not be intimidated by those that get harsh with you when you are following basic strategy. We have found many of them do not even know themselves, and they are typically just upset because they are having a bad day or not doing well. We personally do not care if you follow basic strategy or not. If we ever end up sitting at the table with you by chance, and you ask about a play, we will tell you what basic strategy states you should do, but we really don't care if you follow it. We don't see that Your play affects our winning that much. Some people will say that if you don't follow basic strategy you are messing up the table. We have actually found many times when people do crazy things it has actually helped, or at least not hurt us.
Depending on the casino you are at, it will make a difference on how you want to play certain cards.
I don't know of anywhere in Colorado where you can surrender. I do know there are some casinos in Las Vegas where you can make that play. You typically only want to do this if you have a 15 or a 16 against the dealer 10/face card or Ace.
One thing you can do to combat the busting problem is surrender your hand. During a surrender you are essentially taking yourself out of the play for that hand. You will get half of your money back. I do utilize this strategy when I can. To let the dealer know, I typically will just tell them I am surrendering. The hand motion that you want to make is a straight line across the table up above your cards. Some people surrender, and some people don't.
However, if I am facing a 60% chance of busting myself, I will utilize it, depending on how much I am betting.
I also know that whenever I gamble, I may never, ever see that money again. I never bet more than I can afford to lose. GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY!
