Winning at blackjack… how much is luck and how much is skill? Well it’s both. You definitely need luck for good hands, but you also need skill, the knowledge of knowing how to deal with specific situations and hands. You can’t control luck, but you certainly can control the skill aspect. This is where blackjack strategy plays a part.
In blackjack, the 3-2 payoffs lower the casinos advantage. In 8-deck online blackjack games, player’s average 21’s once in every 22 hands, which is about 4.5%. If by chance you receive 21 more often the every 22 hands, the payoff bonuses will grow hugely and the edge will shift in your favor quite well. The reverse is also true, where less 21’s than the 4.5% can make you lose your bankroll quite quickly.
There are two potential issues in blackjack, the first is whether to trade payoffs that are below 3-2 for other goodies and the second is whether to insure when the casino gets an Ace. Under blackjack strategy, hands that should be doubled are also important. This will happen to you once every 10 hands (9.6% frequency). You do have an edge in these situations but losing a few doubles can potentially ruin your bankroll.
Splitting pairs is another matter to consider. This will happen once every 39 hands (2.6% frequency). In blackjack strategy splits, 67% will be winning hands. Doubles and splits will account for one in every 8 hands (12.2%) and blackjacks are 4.7%.
Remember that even strong hands are not necessarily going to make you win. So which counts for more, skill or luck? I think luck favors the well-prepared.