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Learn How To Win At Blackjack With Our Blackjack Tips | LeoVegas

20 Essential Blackjack Tips For All Players

Although it is still ultimately a game of chance, several tips and strategies can be mastered in blackjack. In our guide, we’ll give you some insights into how you can optimize your play, from following basic strategy to managing your bankroll effectively and knowing when to hit, stand, double down or split.

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We’ll also delve into the truths behind card counting, as well as how to set your bet limits, understand house edge and recognize the right moments to walk away from the table.

Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned blackjack veteran, these tips will be sure to help you enhance your gameplay.

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Tip #1: Always follow basic strategy for optimal play.

What we refer to as basic strategy in blackjack is a mathematically proven method that can help you increase your chances of winning based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. So, how does this work? Say for instance you have a hard 16 and the dealer shows an upcard of 10, basic strategy will tell you that you should hit rather than stand since the chance of the dealer busting out with a 10 is lower.

Basic strategy can also inform the actions you take with specific hands, including the fact that you should always split aces and eights since these give you a better chance of improving on your existing hand.

Memorizing and following these strategies will pay off during the game, as they can help you make quick and informed calls, depending on the cards that are drawn.

Tip #2: Memorize the correct plays for hard, soft, and split hands.

You get different hands in blackjack, including hard, soft and split and it's important to understand exactly how to differentiate one from another. Hard and soft hands are based on the ace card. Ace cards can either have a value of one or 11, depending on the other cards in your hand.

  • A hard hand doesn’t include an ace or has an ace that only has a value of one. If you have a hard 12 and the dealer only shows two or three, then be sure to hit.
  • Soft hands refer to hands that include an ace which counts as 11. In cases where you have a soft 17, then always hit regardless of the dealer’s hand, as your ace can dial down its value to one.
  • Splitting should only be applied to specific pairs. We recommend always splitting eights, but never 10s and fives. This is mainly related to the sort of values that these numbers can create when combined with other cards.

Managing Your Bankroll Effectively

As with all forms of gambling, managing your bankroll can go a long way in making sure you have the best experience possible. Start by setting bet limits way before you even start playing to ensure you don’t overspend and manage to maintain control over your funds. It’s also important to understand the house edge, which refers to the blackjack odds advantage that the casino has on your bet. This helps you calculate your potential losses and adjust your betting strategy accordingly.

Of course, it’s also essential to know when to walk away. You need to understand when it’s time to conserve your bankroll and quit, rather than making emotional decisions and burning through all your funds.

Tip #3: Never bet more than you can afford to lose.

It's crucial that you remember to never bet more than you can afford to lose. This helps make sure that gambling is always just a fun activity and not a source of financial stress. Stick to your set budget and limit no matter what, as gambling should always be a fun activity and not a financial burden.

Tip #4: Use the 5% rule – never bet more than 5% of your bankroll per hand.

When it comes to setting specific bets, you can use the 5% rule which tells you never to bet more than 5% of your total budget on a single hand. In doing so, you can control how quickly you go through your budget, prolonging your playtime and potentially increasing the chances for you to win.

For instance, if you have a $500 budget, then the maximum bet you place on a single hand should never go over $25. This will help you maintain control over your budget, helping you to endure the natural ups and downs that the game naturally presents.

When to Hit, Stand, Double Down, and Split

After your initial hand has been dealt, you get to choose between hitting, standing, doubling down or splitting – depending on the cards you get.

  • Hit: Your hitting approach will need to differ based on the hand you have. Always hit if:

  • You have a hard hand with a value of eight or less.

  • You have a soft hand of 17 or less.

  • The dealer has a nine, 10 or ace upcard.

  • Stand: You should stand if:

  • You have a hard hand of 17 or higher, unless the dealer's upcard is a 10 or ace.

  • With a soft hand, stand if you have 18 and the dealer has two, seven or eight.

  • Doubling Down: This can be far trickier than simply hitting or standing. Avoid doubling down if the dealer shows a strong hand with numbers between seven to 10 or an ace, but you can double down when you have:

  • A soft 13 to 18 hand value, as long as the dealer has a low card between three to six.

  • 11 against a dealer’s two to 10.

  • 10 against a dealer’s nine or less.

  • Nine against a dealer’s three to six.

  • Split: Splitting is more straightforward, and you should never split 10s and fives as mentioned earlier. But do split twos, threes, sixes, sevens and nines if the dealer has a weak card.

Tip #5: Always split Aces and 8s

To increase your winning potential, we recommend that you always split aces and eights. Splitting aces gives you a better chance of hitting blackjack and splitting eights helps to avoid the problematic hand total of 16. So, by splitting these numbers you get a better chance of forming stronger hands.

Tip #6: Never split 10s or 5s

On the other hand, 10s and 5s should never be split. Landing two 10s creates a strong hand of 20 which can only lose to a dealer’s 21, so splitting them will likely give you a weaker hand. On the other hand, splitting fives can also be problematic. A pair of fives give you a starting hand of 10 which is a great number to double down on. But if you split the fives, you get a much weaker starting hand. So, always keep these numbers together to get a better chance of success.

Tip #7: Double down when you have 11 against a dealer’s low card

When you have a hand worth 11 and the dealer has a low card, between two and six, you should always double down. 11 is a strong starting hand, with a good chance of hitting a 10 and reaching the targeted 21. With a low card, the dealer is more likely to bust and this increases the chances of your hand winning. So, doubling down increases the potential gain you can get by doubling on your initial bet. Keep in mind that although it can lead to bigger rewards doubling down should only be used strategically, when the conditions are optimal.

Card Counting: Myth or Reality?

Card counting is not a myth at all and is a strategy that many use in blackjack to determine if the next hand is likely to give an advantage to the player or the dealer. It involves keeping track of high and low value cards that have already been dealt, which in turn help the player to make more informed decisions.

Although this strategy can increase your chances of success, it does not guarantee a win. Sure, card counting can potentially lower the house edge, but it asks for a lot of skill, practice and focus. The Hi-Lo system is the most well-known strategy where you assign values of +1, 0 and -1 to cards. You also have the Omega II and Wong Halves systems, but these are more complex strategies.

Although it is technically legal, casinos don’t approve of this method and may ask players suspected of counting cards to leave. But strictly speaking, it is not considered cheating, as the player is not manipulating the game.

Tip #8: Use simple card counting techniques like Hi-Lo if allowed

With a system like Hi-Lo, you can track the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck. Hi-Lo is very straightforward with cards two to six counting as +1, seven to nine as 0 and 10 to ace as -1. It’s a subtle system that should not draw too much attention, but you should only use it at casinos that allow card counting.

Tip #9: Practice card counting at home before trying it in a casino

Card counting is a very tricky skill that needs plenty of practice, so we recommend practicing at home before trying it out at a casino. The Hi-Lo system is a great way to get started and you can use a deck of cards and count through them repeatedly until you can accurately track the count without any hesitation.

Try to do this while also engaging in conversations or dealing with distractions as these are elements that you will find in a real casino environment. Maintain consistent practice to make sure you’re well prepared once you visit the casino to play for real.

Side Bets and Casino Gimmicks: Should You Play Them?

You might be tempted to opt for side bets like perfect pairs or 21+3 in blackjack, but these typically carry a higher house edge, which lowers your odds of winning. Likewise, insurance bets seldom yield returns unless you’re particularly skilled at card counting—so we generally disregard them too.

Tip #10: Avoid insurance bets unless you’re counting cards

Avoid insurance bets unless you’re very proficient in card counting. Although this may seem like a good safety net to have, it tends to result in unnecessary losses. Only skilled card counters can find this valuable since they can calculate the probability of the dealer having a blackjack.

Tip #11: Stay away from high-risk side bets with poor odds.

Despite the enticing payouts they promise, high risk side bets can have very poor odds. These bets can very easily burn through your budget because of their high house edge. So, we recommend ignoring them and sticking to the main game, which will give you a better chance of maintaining a healthy bet balance.

Online vs. Live Blackjack: Key Differences

Online blackjack is a more convenient way to play since you can access different variations of the game with better odds. On the other hand, live blackjack gives you a more social experience and adds the experience of playing in real-time. The main difference here is that the online version of the game is dictated by a random number generator, whereas the live dealer games are handled by real people.

Tip #12: Play at reputable online casinos with fair odds

Your safety is crucial when playing online, so stick to a reputable online casinothat offers fair odds and great gambling practices. LeoVegas has licenses from trusted gambling regulators and offer you transparent odds that you can easily scrutinize.

Tip #13: Use demo mode to practice before betting real money

You can also practice demo versions of the online blackjack games to familiarize yourself with the mechanics and develop your strategies without any financial risk. Practicing in demo mode helps you to build up your confidence by improving your skills, which in turn makes sure you’re ready to play for real money.

Psychological Strategies for Blackjack Success

Blackjack asks for skill and focus so it's important to stay mentally sharp when playing. Manage your stress and maintain your focus to make more sound decisions. By controlling your emotions you can avoid making impulsive decisions that can ultimately work against your set bankroll and strategy. Check in with yourself to make sure you’re not too tired to play and take breaks to keep on top of your game.

Tip #14: Never chase losses—stick to your game plan

One of the most natural reactions to losses is to try and recover your money by chasing bigger bets. But this can lead to poor decisions and even can have you sustain even bigger losses. Avoid these impulses and stick to your strategy for long-term success.

Tip #15: Take breaks to avoid fatigue and bad decision-making

Regular breaks help to keep you alert and can hold you back from making poor decisions. Fatigue can significantly impair your judgement and in doing so increases the likelihood of making mistakes.

How Table Selection Impacts Your Success

Picking the right blackjack table can have a significant impact on your experience. Choose the tables with suitable minimum levels that can sustain your bankroll and give you more sustainable play. You should also check for favourable house rules like 3:2 payouts which give you better odds and maximize your winning potential.

Tip #16: Look for tables with player-friendly rules like 3:2 blackjack payouts.

Select tables with player-friendly rules which can impact your success. These tables will offer 3:2 blackjack payouts which gives you better returns when compared to 6:5 payouts, decreasing the house edge and increasing your chances of winnings.

Tip #17: Avoid tables that use continuous shuffling machines.

Tables with continuous shuffling machines eliminate natural deck depletion, which makes card counting ineffective and increases the house edge. Always go for a table without CSMs, allowing for better strategic play.

Advanced Blackjack Strategies for Serious Players

You can also move on to more advanced strategies that can help you along the way. This includes shuffle tracking which monitors card distribution and Wonging, a strategy where you observe the game without betting and only enter once the card count gives the player an advantage. Before engaging in these strategies, you’ll want to understand the risk versus reward in these situations which can lead to clearer decisions and better chances of success.

Tip #18: Avoid making moves that attract casino scrutiny.

Always be discreet about your strategies and avoid any unwanted attention, as this will help you play for longer and potentially score better wins.

Tip #19: Always adjust your play based on the dealer’s upcard.

The dealer’s upcard is crucial in blackjack strategy and your decisions should always consider this. When a dealer has a weak card, like six, then you should respond by doubling down. Alternatively, when the dealer has a strong card like an ace, you can take a more conservative approach. Adjust this accordingly to get a more strategic advantage.

Tip #20: The best blackjack players continuously refine their strategies

To become a top blackjack player, you’ll need to continually analyze your gameplay and learn from your mistakes. This helps you to stay flexible and open to new techniques that can help you maintain your edge and improve your overall performance

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

To master blackjack, you need to understand advanced strategies, avoid common mistakes and adjust play based on the dealer’s upcard. You ought to always be discreet about the strategies you’re using too as this can help your longevity in the game. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to test out your strategies to make sure you’re on the right track.

Winning at Blackjack FAQ

Can I win consistently at blackjack?

While it's possible to win consistently at blackjack, the game's inherent house edge means that the casino will always have an advantage in the long run. Skilled players, however, can reduce the casino advantage house edge and achieve consistent wins.

Are there any guaranteed strategies to win?

There are no guaranteed strategies to win at blackjack, as it remains a game of chance. However, employing optimal strategies, managing bet money in your bankroll wisely, and understanding the game's intricacies can significantly increase your chances of winning.

How does the number of decks used affect the game?

The number of decks used in blackjack affects the house edge and the game's overall difficulty. Generally, the fewer decks in play, the lower the house edge, making it more favourable for players. Single-deck games require different strategies compared to games with multiple decks.

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