basic strategy

[froggy57]

I have read that the house only has a 1%, or what ever, advantage in blackjack.
But I notice that when I play online, that the dealer wins...even when I am playing strictly by the book.... a hell of a lot more hands than 1% more than I do.
How do they figure that 2% crap? Or is that just propaganda that the gaming industry propagates.
Also, is there an advantage to doubling the bet every time you lose?

 

[21gunsalute]

I'd suggest reading the very valuable information available at this site. You seem to have a lot misconceptions and/or just bad information. In short playing with a house advantage of 1% would be an absolutely terrible game that no one here would play. You will lose a lot more hands than you will win, but the house edge is pared down by Blackjacks which pay 3:2 and knowing when to split pairs and double down. Learning to count cards can give you an advantage over the house.

 

[FLASH1296]

The House Advantage (or "edge") has little to do with the % of hands won in a game where not all bets are paid at even money.

In BJ you will normally:

• WIN 43% of your hands
  
• LOSE 48% of your hands
  
• TIE ("push") 9% of your hands

You get paid a premium on Blackjacks

You also get to double down on advantageous hands.

Splitting some pairs also increases your win rate.

 

[Finn Dog]

IAlso, is there an advantage to doubling the bet every time you lose?

No, there is no advantage in doing so. Your are referring to the Martingale system, which is a recipe for complete disaster.

Study every lesson in the free Blackjack School found in the left toolbar. At that point, you'll be a lot more informed.