Are you hoping to find the best blackjack strategy to improve your odds in Michigan? Look no further!
In this article, we will discuss some of the best approaches - we call them basic strategy - methods to help you, the beginner or the experienced player, improve your odds of winning at blackjack tables in Michigan, whether in brick and mortar casinos in Detroit, or online at legal, regulated blackjack betting sites. We will discuss tips and strategies so you can maximize your correct playing and give you a best shot at winning.
Learning and playing basic strategy is probably the best advice to a beginner blackjack player. Basic strategy is the mathematically best way to play every hand, based on the cards you are holding, and the face-up card of the dealer.
Basic strategy will boil the house advantage down to almost nothing, and guarantees you will always take the mathematically best course of action in any situation.
Michigan also has a lot of state-licensed land-based and online casinos, which is a great environment for effectively utilizing these strategies. Knowing basic strategy is part one of playing smarter and maximizing your win rate of blackjack.
Success in blackjack often comes down to knowing when to double down, split, hit, or stand. A few key examples:
Always split two eights.
Double down when you have an Ace and a five.
If the dealer is showing a six or lower, and you have 9–11, consider doubling.
Making these decisions consistently will drastically increase your winning percentage over time.
If you’re dealt two cards of the same value—like eights, tens, or Aces—splitting can be a very effective strategy.
Most Michigan casinos allow you to split pairs and create two separate hands with independent bets. Understanding when to split, especially based on the dealer’s card, is a key part of the perfect blackjack strategy.
Knowing when to double down is a powerful skill in blackjack. At most Michigan casinos—including MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and FireKeepers Casino—you’re allowed to double down on any two initial cards.
Here’s when doubling makes sense:
You have a total of 9, 10, or 11.
The dealer has a weak upcard (2 through 6).
You’re confident the next card will give you a strong hand.
Always check the house rules, though—some venues only allow doubling on 10 or 11.
A common mistake among beginners is splitting two face cards—like a pair of Kings, Queens, or Jacks. This is usually a bad move.
A pair of face cards gives you a total of 20, which is an excellent hand. Breaking that up only lowers your odds.
Stick with strong hands—don’t get greedy by trying to win twice.
This is one of the most important rules in blackjack: always split Aces and eights.
A pair of eights totals 16—one of the weakest starting hands.
A pair of Aces gives you the opportunity to turn two bad hands into two potential 21s.
Most Michigan casinos allow you to split Aces, and some even allow you to double down after a split, giving you a great shot at building two strong hands.
Mastering basic blackjack strategy is crucial for any Michigan player hoping to boost their winnings. These five tips will help you improve your gameplay and give you better chances at success:
Choose the right table
Manage your bankroll wisely
Use strategy charts
Practice often (many sites offer free play)
Avoid common myths and bad habits
By applying the best blackjack strategies, you can lower the house edge and win more often—whether you're playing at a table in Detroit or from your phone at home.