There is a slight edge to playing blackjack with the dealer’s upcard. This is especially true in single-deck games, but there are also advantages in using this strategy in multiple-deck games. One of these advantages is that it increases the chance of hitting a soft 19.

However, this is a very risky position. As a result, most players misplay it. The odds of busting are 65%. Therefore, it is very important to know the best time to hit. If you have a hard 16 with the dealer’s upcard showing 2 or 3, you should stand. On the other hand, if the upcard is 6 or 7, you should split.

Another advantage of this strategy is that the house edge is low. Since the dealer’s upcard is weak, there is a good chance that he or she will not go bust. In fact, there are three times out of eight that he or she will make a 17-to-21 hand. But the other seven times, he or she will lose. Thus, it is better to play heads up with the dealer. Besides, the house rule that pays out 1/1 when splitting aces increases the chance of winning by 52%.

For a double-deck game, the player should stand when the dealer shows up with a 4 or 6. He or she should hit when the dealer shows up with a 2 or 3. With a two up card, the dealer has a 65% chance of making a 17-to-21 hand.

Similarly, if the upcard is a 7, 8, 9 or 10, the player should double down. The dealer will win 70% of the time and the player will only have 30% of the time. That means the average loss for each $1 a player bets is 28.9 cents if the player stands. If the player hits, the average loss per dollar is 30.8 cents.

Generally, it is recommended to split pairs of 2s or 3s when the dealer shows a 6. Likewise, it is recommended to split pairs of 5s or 8s when the dealer shows a 6. It is very important to split a pair of aces, which is considered a no-brainer. Nevertheless, some casinos will not pay out for a doubling down after splitting. Regardless, it is always important to know when to hit or stand.

Lastly, the advantage of this strategy lies in the ability to increase your starting bet when the deck is full. Since the house edge is lower, you can play more cards without worrying about losing. Also, it is possible to get free drinks, which can be a great incentive to play.

Blackjack is a great game to play, but you should be aware of the risks associated with this strategy. The basic strategy is to hit when the upcard is 13 or 2. Despite this, you need to know when to play safe and when to take the risk. Follow your instincts and keep learning.