When we're talking strategy in blackjack, you need to know about some basic components of the game. This section, Part 2, deals with soft hands, insurance, and surrender

These can be tricky for a new blackjack player, as they have their own special rules (when it comes to doubling down, hitting, and standing). Soft hands are any hand with an ace with which the player can choose between 2 totals (for instance, A-4 could be either 5 or 15).

The player should hit a soft 13 through 17 if the dealer is showing 7 or higher. If the player has a soft 13 through 17, only double down when the dealer shows a 5 or 6.

Most of the time, the player should stand on a soft 18, although if the dealer is showing 9, 10, or A, the Player should take a hit. With the soft 18, always stand versus a 2, 7, or 8, and double down against a 3, 4, 5, or 6.

No matter what the dealer is showing, the player always should stand on a soft 19 or higher.

Finally, if the dealer holds a 2 and the player has a soft hand, do not double down.

Buying insurance with a possible dealer's blackjack is an often-made mistake by the player. In the long run, buying insurance is definitely not worth it. One of the worst plays the player can make is insuring a hand of 20 made of up two tens.

Another mistake made by players is choosing the wrong play when the dealer shows an ace and could be holding a possible blackjack. This is one of the worst things that can happen to the player when they get lucky and catch a blackjack of their own.

Taking insurance on the player's blackjack (versus. a dealer's ace) is called "even money." Regardless of the dealer's hand, the player will take an "even money" payout of 1-1 on their blackjack, thus giving away potential winnings

The player should not be afraid to surrender if the option is given. After the cards are dealt, if the dealer is way ahead and the chances of the player winning are slim, a good play is to surrender (and get back 50 percent of the bet). Always surrender with a hard 15 when the dealer has a 10. Always surrender with a hard 16 when the dealer has a 9, 10, or ace.

Playing two hands (instead of one) against the dealer will give you zero advantage.

Increasing bet sizes during a streak of wins or losses is not advised, since the player's chances of winning the next hand remain static.

Progressive betting (betting one chip, then three, then five, and so on) is also not advised.

Good luck.

Note: All blackjack strategies discussed assume the blackjack rules found in the Introduction to Blackjack.