Best blackjack tips for winning
Blackjack is one of the best casino games, and its rules are identical in every part of the world. The singular objective of this game is to have a better hand value than the dealer without going over 21.
Elements of the casino game are based on skill, not just luck. It’s important to make the right move after considering your cards as well as the face-up card of the dealer.
With the low house edge that the game has, some players lean towards blackjack as their choice of game– and what better way to improve your game than to adopt some of the most effective tips?
It is important to understand that tips can't guarantee you a win or guide you on how to win at blackjack as it ultimately comes down to chance. Tips are more general rules of thumb to get the most out of the hands you are dealt, in addition to understanding those that the dealer receives.
Keep reading for some of the best online blackjack tips.
Strategic tips for playing blackjack
Understanding and being able to use the basic blackjack strategy is the first step in learning the ways to win at blackjack. Many games use various strategies to help get the most from the game, and blackjack is no different. A basic strategy is a set of rules that help players make the best mathematical decisions for every card hand dealt. The blackjack cheat sheet might seem complicated at first glance, but it’s easy to memorise, and with constant practice, it can help advance your blackjack game plan.
Some of the rules include:
- Always split aces
- Stand on a soft 17
- Surrender 15 against a dealer’s 10
- Always double down on 11
One of the major downsides of using the basic strategy is that it makes the game more mathematical. The methodical approach is often chosen by players as it allows them to understand which is likely to be the best action based on the hand they are dealt. This structure can help when facing up against the dealer.
Tips for avoiding insurance bets
Insurance bets (Also known as one of the game's side bets) are helpful to count on in unique situations. Here’s why: in blackjack, this bet type is available if the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. You are taking insurance to cover your loss if the dealer ends up with a perfect blackjack (ace plus 10-value card).
To use this bet, you must place an extra wager worth half your original stake. The payout is 2:1. You lose the insurance bet if the dealer does not get a blackjack. Also, this betting option is not allowed in all blackjack games.
Table rules for winning at blackjack
The fundamental rule for winning at blackjack is to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going bust. However, this game comes in different variations across the globe. Each of these unique versions has additional rules you need to be aware of that can affect the house advantage and your chances of winning.
Before you begin playing, it’s a good idea to check the game details for all the table rules. Sometimes you can tell the variation of a game from just the title. Other times, you’ll need to check the paytable for the relevant facts about the game.
Focus on the dealer’s face-up cards
Blackjack tips and tricks don’t just focus on your own hand – they also help you learn about the dealer’s hand. It doesn’t always matter if you hold a strong hand because the dealer is your competitor – if their hand is strong, you’ll want to know! With that in mind, it’s wise to consider both your hand value and the dealer’s to set yourself up for the best chances of winning at blackjack.
Double Exposure blackjack is the only variation where the dealer’s two cards are face up. For the other ways of playing blackjack, you’ll only see one face-up card from the dealer’s hand, and this is enough to assess their chances of winning. You can apply a basic approach – such as always splitting aces – to figure out whether you should hit, stand, double down, split or surrender.
Tips for playing blackjack with a budget
Bankroll management is one of the most important tips for playing blackjack. Apart from going to a blackjack table with a game plan, having a budget is important – and more important than having a budget is sticking to it. The game’s outcome should not make you change your planned stake size or exceed your budget. The number one rule on the list of things to never do at a casino is to chase your losses. Avoid playing if you find yourself in this scenario, as you’ll most likely end up losing more. The same applies when you’re on a winning streak. Don’t try to take advantage of the momentum and exceed your bankroll.
The golden rule is to only bet what you can afford to lose, so you should build your casino bankroll within reasonable limits of your financial capacity. This is why you should be careful with progressive strategies that can increase your stake size exponentially. Instead, focus on a more basic betting strategy that is less progressive with stakes.
Know the house edge and chances of winning at blackjack
Blackjack has almost the lowest house edge among all casino games, typically ranging from 0.5% to 2%. The blackjack house edge varies depending on factors such as the number of decks used and whether you use a basic strategy. The specific table rules also affect the house edge, which is why some variations are more advantageous for players than others. Just like you would play high RTP slots for the best winning chances, you can also take advantage of the lowest house edge blackjack variants.
There are blackjack games out there that include a single deck, whilst others have multiple. Each of these factors can influence the house edge, and the likelihood of winning.
Learn the best blackjack tips and tricks
To play blackjack is simple, but, like all things, practice makes perfect, and you need a lot of practice to understand each of the hands you’re dealt. With all strategic games, it’s far easier to play well when you understand all the factors that affect your winning chances and, more importantly, how to improve them. As a rule of thumb, blackjack rookies should hold off placing wagers until they understand the game and the hands they might encounter. There are versions of the game online that you can play while you learn the basics and perfect a strategy or two. Once you’re confident enough in your blackjack abilities, you can begin placing real-money bets and set all your new-found blackjack tips and tricks to work!