Twenty One or Pontoon or Blackjack is a popular game and now that you've understood the basics of playing blackjack and have happened to develop the liking for the game, it is time that the advanced blackjack strategies be learnt. Especially so because, blackjack is one of the few casino games where players can deploy various strategies under the casino advice section, to reduce casino advantage. Intrigued ... well read on as there is abundant in store.

Keep an account of unopened cards

Cards that are yet to be dealt are as important as the cards you have. In blackjack, where the total defines win or defeat, card counting exercise is of utmost relevance. In fact many blackjack experts refer to card counting and thereby move adjustment as a serious art, which can sure direct towards the win track. Thus by keeping a track of the cards left in the deck you can bet in favour of your advantage and also improve the basic strategy rules. To understand better consider the below mentioned playing scenario:

A total of 16 against a dealer's upcard showing anything above 7 usually dictates a hit. The situation however is different if the count is positive i.e. even one more than the normal zero count. Likewise if you know that there are many 10s left in the deck, it makes complete sense to take insurance, even against the dealer's ace.

However while attempting to figure out the blackjack intermediate or advanced playing strategy, based upon card count, remember that it is not an easy task. Card counting requires tons of patience and observation, which is not easy for all to maintain, especially while playing casino. Had it been an easy task, many would have acquired the art. But it is only for those who are very clear on their playing basics and thus completely equipped to move on to the next stage.

Don't do this

The second critical casino advice in the blackjack strategy section apprises on few must avoid tactics. For instance, few self acclaimed experts would suggest to simply following the dealer or rather copying his moves. This is foolishly irrelevant and you are expected to know the reason, if you are appropriately clear on the blackjack basics. Likewise never bust is again a suicidal attempt.

Shuffle and shuffle until you are clear

Shuffling cards is another hi-end blackjack playing strategy, which again can give useful insight to the playing schema. The strategy requires close analysis of the shuffling pattern. The cards are distributed in sets and these sets or piles are individually shuffled, before being placed together. Thereafter, depending upon the cards played in first game, it would be possible to draw ideas regarding what is left in the deck. When these cards are reshuffled, most typically the lower clump comes up in the top half, thus providing fruitful information. However, like counting, this is not an easy task and might require loads of practice and observation.