• Before getting into this, you need to know How to calculate simple statistics.

In opinion, Blackjack or 21 is a probability theory in itself. There are many different forms of "probability" in Blackjack, even before the game. We can apply the probability theory of winning or not winning at all by using the probability of 1 out of 2 or the 50/50 percent theory.

For example, one can choose to win or not win at all, meaning, by theory, we have a 50 percent chance of winning by playing, which increases our odds, or a 50 percent chance of not winning by not playing, which also increases our odds of not losing.

However, let's assume the game is played, with the first set of cards we can increase our odds of winning by picking 1 of the 4 choices to split, stand, hit, or, double - a 25 or 1/4 percent chance of beating the house or to push with it. Notice I didn't use a 5th option of surrender (giving up half of your initial bet and your received cards), because you lose or decrease all chances of winning by a forfeit. Thus, picking 1 of the 4 options increases or decreases the probability and is when we need to understand the strategy and factors of the game in order to increase our odds of winning at the table.

The "probability theory" to increase odds of winning in Blackjack is dependent upon the type of Blackjack being played. By this I mean, understanding the rules and the strategy for one game differs greatly from the strategy of another. Thus, by understanding these concepts of the game and applying our understanding toward the specific type of blackjack game, increases our "probability" of winning.

For example, most casinos today play multi-deck Blackjack or 21, which is played with two or more decks of cards and possesses different rules; such as dealer stands on 17 and must hit on 16, whereas in an "in the closet" single deck blackjack game, the game rules can be the dealers advantage to stand on 16 and hit on 15. However, everybody knows (if not, I'm disclosing), that the chances of increasing our odds are always better by playing the smaller amount of decks (by this I mean, 1 deck), or if not available, a truly factual (witness it to believe it, or ask) double deck game of Blackjack (104 shuffled cards), vice playing a "stated" double deck game, pulled from the 156 three deck, 208 four deck, 260 five deck, or even the 312 six deck, shuffled cards. Overall, there are many "probability theories" in the game of Blackjack, some devoting their lives to these probabilities (who have a better chance of increase) and some who have analyzed the game to a precise percent of odds. And to disclose my "secrets" of card counting...ooops!!..would take me beyond the timeframe of this hub challenge. So...I'm sorry everyone, not this time, however, what a really really great topic!