To be honest, you might not think of yourself as a card counter. Nevertheless, blackjack offers fairly high odds for players who understand some basic rules. We’ve consulted some experts to understand how newcomers can win at the poker table.
Blackjack Strategy-Hand-Related Tips
Blackjack Strategy-Choose 3:2 Over 6:5 Tables
The difference between 3:2 and 6:5 blackjack tables may seem small at first. After all, the former pays $3 for every $2 you bet, while the latter pays $6 for every $5 you bet. However, the significant distinction between these two table types lies in their featured house edge.
Specifically, the 6:5 version adds a whopping 400% to the house edge, making it reach almost 2%. In contrast, a 3:2 blackjack table features a 0.50% house edge with basic blackjack strategy. Considering these differences over the long term, avoiding 6:5 tables is in your best interest.
Blackjack Strategy-Learn the Blackjack Table Rules and Betting Limits Before Playing
Table rules in blackjack can affect crucial aspects of the game, such as bet offerings, winning odds, and the house edge. Therefore, it is essential to examine whether these rules are favorable for players before choosing a specific table.
Similarly, blackjack table limits may not suit every player. Always consider your budget, calculate whether the limits allow you to make the most out of the game, and only play when the conditions are favorable.
Blackjack Strategy-Avoid Tables with Continuous Shufflers
Depending on the casino, blackjack tables use three types of card shufflers: continuous shuffler (CSM) or mechanical shuffler, or the dealer manually shuffles the cards.
CSMs shuffle the cards after every round, resulting in more hands per hour and greater exposure of your bankroll. Mechanical shufflers and live dealers shuffle the cards only after playing 50% or 75% of them, giving you a better chance to win.
Blackjack Strategy-Rate Yourself While Playing
Some casinos allow rated play in blackjack. If you haven’t heard of this term before, it involves the casino evaluating players who agree to it. The casino monitors the number of bets per hand and hands per hour against your return to calculate your overall value. In return, rated players receive various perks, from comps to luxurious rewards.
Opting to be rated can be smart, as it can reduce your betting expenses and earn you various rewards.
Blackjack Strategy-Keep Drinks to a Minimum
While blackjack is not overly complicated, its gameplay still requires some mental effort. You need to assess the situation at the table, track and count cards, think about the best moves you can make, and more.
None of these actions will be possible if you’ve consumed too many drinks. If you want to make the most out of the game, try to limit your alcohol intake.
Blackjack Strategy-Look at the Dealer’s Up Card
We’ve emphasized the importance of the dealer’s up card in blackjack several times, and we believe it’s worth discussing it more thoroughly. Blackjack is a game where you face the dealer rather than other players. Many strategies can help you beat the dealer – we explored some of them above. However, it’s crucial to remember that their up card is the only reliable element on which you can base your decisions. This is the reason most betting systems, including basic blackjack strategy, rely on the dealer’s up card. You cannot be successful in this casino classic without considering the up card.
Blackjack Strategy-Skip the First Base Seat
The seating positions in blackjack can make a world of difference in your gameplay, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. To be more precise, you should try to avoid the first base seat.
The first base player is the first to bet in each round. If the dealer is rushing, the player may not have enough time to look at their hand and the dealer’s card and make a reasonable decision, not to mention strategizing and card counting. So, it’s always better to sit closer to the other end of the table.
Blackjack Strategy-Choose a Table Offering the Double Down Option
Doubling down is one of the most popular moves in blackjack in general. When used correctly, it can be highly beneficial for the player. Therefore, you should always choose a blackjack table that offers this option.
However, don’t forget to pay attention to the additional rules included by the tables in their double-down feature, as some of them may not be as favorable.
Blackjack Strategy-Select the Perfect Dealer for You
While most players don’t pay much attention, dealers can be a factor in deciding your gameplay.
In other words, an expert, well-trained dealer will reveal little about their hole card, but they will speed up the gameplay and keep it exciting. On the contrary, the expressions of a novice or poorly skilled dealer may reveal their hole card, so these dealers might be suitable for users practicing hole carding or shuffle tracking.
Blackjack Strategy-Learn Basic Blackjack Etiquette
If you plan to play live blackjack at a brick-and-mortar casino, you need to learn some etiquette. All blackjack players follow some etiquette when at the table.
Basic blackjack etiquette consists of some simple do’s and don’ts. We’ve discussed betting signals in one of the sections above. Aside from that, you should turn off your phone, stack your chips properly, and tip the dealer. Additionally, you should not put your hands under the table, handle face-up cards, take face-up cards, or touch the chips after the dealer calls, “No more bets.”
Blackjack Strategy-Buying into a Blackjack Game
Buying into a blackjack game at a brick-and-mortar casino also involves a standardized procedure. You need to find the table you want to join, look for an available seat, sit down, and wait for the current round to finish. After that, place the money you want to bet in front of you on the table – don’t give it to the dealer or place it inside the bet. Once you say, “Change, please,” the dealer will take the money and exchange it for chips. After all that, wait for a new hand to start.
Blackjack Strategy-Find the Minimum/Maximum Bet Limits
You should always consider betting limits before playing blackjack, regardless of the size of your bankroll. This way, you’ll save yourself from the embarrassment of joining a table that you can’t afford to play. Moreover, it will help you calculate how much money you can reasonably bet on the game in general and how to manage your bankroll effectively.
The minimum and maximum betting limits at a blackjack table vary from one casino to another. Typically, they are displayed on a small sign next to the table in land-based casinos.
Blackjack Strategy-Less Decks Are Better
Fewer decks are better than more decks. Just remember, this is true only if the rules are the same in both games. Therefore, if a casino’s double deck game has exactly the same rules as their 6-deck game, the double deck game will have better player performance.
Blackjack Strategy-Check the Number of Players
The number of players is only related to betting limits. Most casinos feature blackjack tables that accept around 7 players. You can find more crowded or less crowded blackjack tables depending on your priorities.
Joining a more crowded table means facing fewer hands per game, reducing the exposure of your bankroll to the house edge. More crowded tables also give you a better sense of the remaining cards in the deck because you can keep track of those shared by other players.
On the other hand, tables with fewer players feature faster gameplay and provide you with more opportunities to get a natural blackjack.
Blackjack Strategy-Tips to Keep Your Mind in the Game
Blackjack Strategy-Play with a Clear Mind
Gambling, by its nature, is an adrenaline-pumping activity. However, being too excited or too nervous can result in significant losses. You need a clear mind to think through your decisions and make the most of every game you play. So, try to enter each gambling session calmly and coolly, maintaining that mindset throughout your gameplay.
Players use various strategies to reach this mental state – from listening to music to deep contemplation. Find what works best for you and make it a regular practice.
Blackjack Strategy-Don’t Succumb to Pressure
First and foremost, gambling should be seen as entertainment – a fun way to spend your leisure time. As long as you stay within your bankroll, do your best to win, and enjoy the journey, the outcome shouldn’t be overly significant. Only a small percentage of players leave the casino as winners. So, look at winning as a bonus – if it happens, great; if not, it becomes motivation for the next session.
Blackjack Strategy-Take Breaks Often
Regular breaks can help you stay on top of your game. For example, taking a stroll away from the blackjack table from time to time can refresh your mind and help you clear your head. It prevents you from getting too caught up in the game and losing track of your bankroll and actions. It also gives you a chance to think about how you want to spend the remaining time in the casino and contemplate whether it’s time to go home.
Blackjack Strategy-Ignore the Players Around You
Blackjack is not a game where you compete against other players. It’s also not a team sport, so you’ll do yourself a big favor if you ignore other players at your table. Their decisions, bet sizes, and strategies shouldn’t concern you because they won’t affect your long-term winning possibilities. Therefore, instead of worrying about what your fellow players are doing, focus on your strategy and stick to it. You’ll learn more about your performance and skills, giving you a better chance to excel as a player.
Blackjack Strategy-Don’t Let Frustration Consume You
The dealer has no control over whether you win or lose. Even if you’re frustrated about what’s happening, don’t be rude! Believe it or not, dealers genuinely want you to win so that they can make some tips and avoid hearing the whispers and complaints of players.
Blackjack Strategy-Don’t Let Emotions Dictate Your Gameplay
Don’t bet or play decisions based on emotions or gut feelings. Know in advance what you’ll bet and how you’ll play your hands.
Blackjack Strategy-Learn to Walk Away
As mentioned earlier, gambling is an adrenaline-pumping hobby. You can get carried away, even if you’re gambling online, especially in a land-based casino. The environment, other players, a string of losses – many elements can keep you hooked or stuck.
However, you should know when to walk away from the blackjack table. Stick to your bankroll management strategy, respect your spending limits, and don’t be fooled by consecutive wins and losses. There’s no standard when it comes to luck.
Blackjack Strategy-Don’t Believe in Gambling Sayings or Superstitions
Winning is the ultimate goal for most gamblers, regardless of what they’re playing. So, it’s not surprising that many myths and superstitions have emerged around it. The more you research or play, the more of them you’ll encounter. However, this doesn’t mean you should pay attention to them. Instead, we advise you to place your trust in your knowledge of blackjack and its rules, strategies, and tactics.
Blackjack Strategy-Don’t Rely on Lucky Charms
Apart from myths and superstitions, many gambling community members believe in lucky charms, rituals, and superstitions. Some of the more common ones include horseshoe and four-leaf clover amulets, dice blowing, knocking on wood, and more. However, none of them can guarantee that luck will be on your side. So, it’s best to steer clear of these beliefs entirely and stick to what you know for sure.